Armand Ralph Moceri

Armand Moceri (“Papa”), a lifelong Pierce County resident, who rose from humble beginnings as a first generation Italian American farmer to become a successful automobile dealer and one of the founders of Puyallup's famed "Auto Row," passed away June 1, 2016, at age 91.

Armand was born Armando Raphaelo Moceri on November 21, 1924, the second of four children, to Italian immigrant parents, Paul and Mary (Manza) Moceri in Tacoma, Washington. The family lived in Seattle, where his father formed Moceri Construction, for 10 years before moving to the family's 160 acre bean and berry farm in the Sumner valley. The family lived in a small cabin for the first year while their new home was being built. Armand attended Dieringer school and Sumner High School, graduating as valedictorian of his class in 1942. He continued to farm, and was introduced to the beautiful Johanna Carpinito from Seattle by mutual friends in 1953. They married in October and the newlyweds moved to downtown Sumner, while Armand continued to farm with his parents.

Armand organized a raspberry and blackberry association for the local farming community and became active with his State Legislators to protect the berry farmers. He was instrumental in working with Senator Knoblauch from Sumner to see to the adoption of labeling legislation to ensure that consumers knew whether blackberries offered for sale were from “road-side” blackberries or domesticated berries grown by local farmers. In 1954 and again in 1956 Armand ran unsuccessfully for the State Legislature as a Representative from the 25th District serving the Sumner/Puyallup Area.

A chance meeting in 1956 over a piece of pie would change the course of

Armand’s life. While dining at Fife’s Poodle Dog Restaurant, founded

by his cousin, Rocco Manza, Armand was introduced to Everett Steven, the owner of Steven Motor Company, a Chrysler and Plymouth dealership in Tacoma. Armand talked his way into a job as a salesman and quickly rose to become manager and co-owner. In 1964, he created an automobile and equipment leasing company. In 1971, Armand went out on his own to revive the Chrysler Plymouth dealership on River Road in Puyallup. Armand turned Puyallup Chrysler–Plymouth, Inc. into a pillar among the dealerships in Pierce County, and grew Moceri Leasing, Inc. to serve customers in 30 states. He and son Stephen together ran the businesses until Armand’s retirement in 1993.

Armand was elected by the dealers in Washington and Oregon for the maximum two terms, each 4 years, to represent them at the National Automobile Dealers Association. He and Joanne travelled extensively both nationally and internationally as a part of Chrysler and other automobile groups.

In retirement, Armand returned to his roots in farming and continued his passion for public service. Moving from Sumner to Edgewood, Armand created and maintained a larger vegetable and berry garden. He spent countless hours planting, amending the soil, tilling weeds (it was always spotless), watering and harvesting into his 85th year. He was also instrumental in the formation of the North Hill Association in the late 1980s and helped establish the City of Edgewood in 1995, and although recruited, he declined to take formal office. His name is on a plaque at City Hall honoring his efforts.

Armand was a long-time sports fan, owning season tickets to Sonics basketball, Husky football and Mariners baseball. He continued to follow Husky and Seahawk football and Mariners baseball throughout his life.

Family was always very important to Armand. There were large Italian family gatherings at the Farm, and Armand and Joanne’s move to Edgewood allowed them to live next to children and grandchildren. He was always committed to taking care of his Joanne and concerned over her welfare to the end. Although Armand never attended college, he impressed upon his children and grandchildren the benefit of education. All of his children and grandchildren attended college, many achieved post-graduate degrees. He relished the opportunity to participate in the lives of his grandchildren, attending recitals, school events, and every little league through high school baseball game of a grandson. He enjoyed giving advice to his grandchildren regarding college and career opportunities. Armand also made certain his great-grandchildren were introduced to his love of gardening. His family was a constant source of pride to him.

He and Joanne moved to Franke Tobey Jones in Tacoma in 2010. Former employees and neighbors continued to visit them in Tacoma and to inquire about “how Armand is doing.” They lived in Tacoma until early 2016 when he and his wife moved to Portland to be closer to his great-grandchildren. He passed away peacefully on June 1, 2016.

Armand will be greatly missed by many, including his wife Joanne; daughter Mary Urback (Steven) of Edgewood; son Stephen Moceri (Joane) of Portland; daughter Christina Hargrave (Michael) of Yakima; 7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, brother James Moceri, sister Michelina Shively (Ralph) of Tacoma, and by his extended Italian family of many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Raymond Moceri.

Services will be held at Zeller Chapel of the Roses in Portland, Oregon, on Saturday, June 11. Viewing will be from 11 am to 1 pm, and a Memorial Service will be held at 1 pm, with lunch to follow.

A brief service will be held at the Chapel at Gethsemane Cemetery, Federal Way, Washington on Monday, June 13 at 1 pm, with internment to follow.

Armand’s family will establish a scholarship fund in his name through the Sumner–Bonney Lake Education Foundation. Remembrances may be made to the Foundation at 1202 Wood Avenue, Sumner, WA 98390.