Joseph James Moylan

Joseph was born and raised in Ridgefield, Connecticut, the fourth child of Frank Patrick and Margaret Fahey Moylan. He left home when he was 18 to serve in World War II. Thanks to the GI bill, Joseph was able to pursue a college education. He earned degrees from the University of Dayton (A.B.-1950), Bowling Green University (M.S. – 1952), and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (PhD in Psychology – 1957) where he met his beloved wife, Marie Clancey Moylan. They married on August 13, 1955 and were thrilled to celebrate 60 years of marriage last year.

His professional career included both academic and clinical positions. He served as Chairman of the Dept of Psychology first at the Univ. of Dayton and then at Parsons College (Iowa) from 1963-1973. In 1973, Joseph was hired to develop a behavioral psychology program at Dorothea Dix State Hospital. He became the Director of Psychological Services at Dix one year later and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1994.A natural athlete, Joseph played both basketball and baseball in high school, baseball at UD, and was an avid golfer throughout his life. Intellectually curious from an early age, he was a lifelong learner who welcomed new experiences and encouraged his family to do likewise.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Marie, and five children: Patricia Anne-Marie Moylan and Joseph James Moylan, Jr. both of Raleigh, James Patrick Moylan of Marietta, GA, Sharon Moylan McConnell, husband, Alan, and grandchildren Anna and Yates, of Apex, and Debra June Moylan and partner, Nathan Wilson, of Raleigh. Joseph was preceded in death by son, Stephen Peter Moylan in 1987, his parents, and his three siblings and their spouses.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook, on Thursday, February 11. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 200 Hillsborough St, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 12, with burial immediately following at Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Catholic Parish Outreach, 2013 N. Raleigh Blvd, 27604, the NC Symphony, 3700 Glenwood Ave, #130, 27612, or the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC, 3808 Tarheel Dr., 27609.