Robert John Moran

Our "Dad/Papaw" with love from Karen, Colleen, Tom and Courtney.

Robert ("Bob") John Moran was born on November 11, 1929 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to James and Anna (Freeman) Moran. He grew up in a strong Irish family in the heart of Lawrenceville (212 57th Street), where European immigrants formed close communities and neighbors became part of one's extended family. In the summer of 1950, a "new Ohio girl," Lila Jean Shearer, joined the neighborhood. She quickly became the love of his life; they were married the next year (5/26/51) and created a loving home and family. Thereafter, for almost seven decades, Bob and Lila were only apart during his Korean War service.

Bob was called to duty in August 1951. After basic training at Parris Island (SC), he was appointed Private First Class in the United States Marine Corp. Bob honorably served his country for a year on the Korean front lines where he attained the rank of Lance Corporal and earned a Korean Service Medal with two stars, United Nations Service Medal, and a National Service Defense Medal. He completed his active service as an honor guard at the White House for President Harry Truman. Although the U.S. Marine Corps wanted to keep this intelligent, honorable young man, he wanted to be home with his family.

Bob's first-born daughter, Karen (4/6/52) arrived while he was on active duty in Korea. And, the family grew to add another daughter, Colleen, three years later (1/28/55) who was followed on December 19, 1957 by a son, Thomas (Tom). Completing the family six years later was another daughter, Sharon (Sherrie) was born on a cold, snowy day with blizzard conditions on January 13, 1964. All the neighborhood men dug the car out and guided it down the steep Pittsburgh street. "It takes a village."

With the strong support of his beloved wife, Bob furthered his education and skills by becoming a patternmaker, a program that included a multi-year apprenticeship program. After successfully completing the program, Bob, with his partner Lila by his side, learned of great opportunities in the burgeoning automotive industry - but it meant a relocation to Ohio or Michigan. Although the decision to leave his extended family and a close supportive community was extremely difficult, Bob and Lila drew upon their inner strength as individuals and partners to move their young family to a place that would provide better opportunities and a more secure future. With their strong, successful marriage, complementary attributes and "tag team parenting" ("wait 'till your father gets home …"), Bob and Lila built a warm, nurturing home in which four successful children were raised to acquire higher education in professional fields.

Bob's patternmaker career spanned three decades with General Motors/Fisher Body in Mansfield, Ohio. He retired in 1992 after 30 years of service as a highly skilled and respected patternmaker. He worked hard to meet the family's needs, not only the basic human needs (food, shelter, clothing, etc.) but the psychological, emotional, spiritual needs, which provided a foundation that allowed the children to not survive, but to thrive. Both Bob and Lila committed to being present for their children's major life events. As their crowning achievement, all four children succeeded in attaining advanced college/university degrees, which resulted in successful professional careers.

When Bob retired, they moved to Phoenix, Arizona for several years to enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather. When they received a plea for "grandchild-raising assistance from their youngest child in Columbus, Ohio, they relocated to Columbus (Grove City), which again demonstrated their lifelong pattern of selflessness -the children were always put first. The branches of their family tree expanded with the arrival of their first grandchild, Courtney (Karen) on November 9, 1988 followed by Erin, Ryan and Michael in Columbus, Ohio.

For all of that you have done for us, thank you Dad (and Mom - she has to be included because it is hard to talk about one parent without the other - and you have always been bound together as a "partnership" or "pair" like a pair of shoes, there is never one without the other for almost 70 years. We can never repay you for all that you have given, but we can let you know how much we appreciate and love you. Our fond memories could fill volumes and take years to write; therefore, for the purpose of compiling this now while "living in the moment," each selected those that meant the most to us in our relationship with you.

From our hearts and minds, how do we describe our (Tom's, Colleen's and Karen's) "Dad" and (Courtney's) "Papaw"? Our Dad/Papaw is:

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

Memories of our childhood special times with you are plentiful, but these are our absolute favorites:

For Dad, from your first born (Karen) with Love:

"I look back on how I developed my lifelong, deep love of reading and realize that much of it is due to your very early influence. You built my wonderful Panda bookcase that was filled with my picture books in early childhood and then passed on to my own daughter when she was born (it is now tucked away, waiting for its next use by the next generation). When you worked in Ohio and commuted home to Pittsburgh for the weekends, I looked forward to the book waiting for me on Saturday morning. I am still not sure how you found the time, but I think I had every Bobbsey Twin book in the series, followed by the collection of Nancy Drew books. When I was in 4th or 5th grade (and until we moved to Ohio), you took me every Saturday to the Carnegie Library branch in Lawrenceville, which was close to home. You never set a time limit on how quickly I had to choose my books, but no matter how long I took, you were always parked outside waiting to take me home once I was done. I still am a voracious reader, and it was only in recent years that I moved from weekly library use to reading on my Kindle."

"A good father will leave his imprint on his daughter for the rest of her life." - Dr. James Dobson

Dad, we had so much fun with you as children - can we go back to those simpler times? We had a great, happy childhood. Love you. Colleen (2nd born daughter) and Tom (3rd born child, but 1st and only born son - "do I win?"):

Throwing a baseball after you would get home from work in the summertime, with my Rawlings glove that I keep in my home office. (Tom)

Going fishing on Saturday mornings at Clearfork Lake and then knowing how happy you were to get a pontoon boat for just relaxing into your life. (Tom)

Winning the Pinewood Derby with a wooden car that we built together. (Tom)

Going for family drives on Sunday afternoons, heading nowhere in the summer, but always you found a new route …always ending up at Jimmy Mack's for ice cream, fried mushrooms and onion rings. Then the decision about who was going to get out of the car for the order. Usually, Colleen gave in and with Tom's help as a runner, we delivered the goodies were given to the family. Remember how Mom loved those fried mushrooms? There was only one time that Colleen dug in and refused to go. You gave us about five minutes, said nothing else and then drove away - no one won, and we felt terrible. Lesson learned - no words necessary. (Colleen and Tom)

Enjoying Islay's hot fudge sundaes after noon mass at St. Stanislaus - it was our secret, and no one ever found out "why those noon masses at the Polish church took so long." I don't know what I enjoyed more - having a scrumptious sundae shared with you or having you to myself with a shared secret. (Colleen)

Loving the magical Christmas mornings where we all received the special gifts that we wanted. Don't know how you and Mom did it with four children. The most special of these were the hand-crafter ones that you lovingly and expertly made. The first of which that I remember is the doll cradles that you made for Karen and me. Glad Karen has kept the Panda bookcase and it will be passed down in your memory. Later, you made these special gifts for your grandchildren. All the gifts will be treasured because you made them. (All)

Being awed by our beautifully decorated home that was ready for Santa. Unfortunately, you had the outside decorating job. Usually in freezing cold weather, you would be outside lighting up "Santa land" for our delight - and we never remember hearing any complaints. Remember the year that the candy canes froze in the ground and you could not get them out until Spring? (Colleen and Tom)

§ Stuffing ourselves with special Christmas cookies and dinners - where you always expertly carved the ham or turkey (made it look so easy). We remember watching so closely as you carved - wondering "how would I ever be able to do that! We learned a lot by watching. Later, you became the "ham man" for your 'grand dogs' and they all loved you for it. (Colleen and Tom)

Playing cards (poker, euchre, war, crazy eights, hearts) and all the popular board games (Life, Trouble, Twister, Don't Break the Ice, Cootie, Candy Land, Monopoly and many others) with you and Mom. Hearts was a favorite and everyone's true personality came through, which enhanced the amusement. We played all types of board games including many children's games that were introduced when Sherrie was a young child - the most famous was "TROUBLE," which prominently features in the "funniest moment" section. You taught us many card games including euchre and poker, which served us well later in life as the lessons included how to count cards. You told us that you became proficient at cards because you played so much on the ship traveling to Korea and back. Sherrie might be the youngest child (she was proficient at 2-3 years old). So much fun. (Colleen and Tom)

Papaw, visits with you were always "Special Occasions" during my childhood due to the distance between our homes. Although infrequent, I loved our times together. Courtney (1st born grandchild)

Note: Courtney is the representative of your grandchildren since they do not yet know what they missed by not maintaining a relationship with you. Someday, the others will realize how important you were in their lives. I am sorry for them.

Visiting with you and Nana in California, Arizona and Ohio. All were special occasions to me.

Staying with me while my parents went on vacation (an extra special treat).

Having you come for Grandparents' Day and book fairs in middle school.

Enjoying activity-packed summers in Ohio, seeing you inspired special memories because it was infrequent.

"I have especially vivid memories of the holidays, making the 6-hour trek to Phoenix in the car (probably whining the whole way) but then immediately forgetting once I got to see my grandparents' faces. Papaw, you would also take painstaking care to craft the most gorgeous gifts for me, catered exactly to my interests at the time: a wooden rocking horse, an amazingly intricate replica of your Mansfield home in (I still have it), wooden desks and chairs to play "school" with all my dolls. Papaw, you put so much time, care, and love into all these items, and I always felt incredibly special.

MEMORIES - AS ADULTS

As we moved and through Adulthood, our relationships with you deepened and matured, but still our times with you were so special and will forever be in our hearts. Tom, summed it up best when he wrote, "Once I grew up, I realized what a great man my Dad was to everyone."

Knowing that you were always there (present physically usually via phone, mentally, emotionally and spiritually to listen and always help if asked, never forcing an opinion on us. Just being there was all that we wanted.

Standing with us in all the major life events: college Parents' Day, sorority father-daughter events, graduations, weddings, births, separations, new homes, long-distance moves (you visited in all the places that we lived), then in our children's (including welcoming grand-daughters from Brazil, Japan, and Ukraine) lives. and on and on. (All)

Reassuring me (Karen) the wheel-and to allow it the time needed. I also remembered your patience with me as you taught me to drive.

Laughing and sharing, often irreverent, humor about people (including family members), places, things, life, politics and everything/everybody. (Colleen)

Enjoying moments of quietude with you - no need for constant conversation or noise. Being comfortable with silence. (Colleen and Tom)

Watching the Steelers play the Ravens at MandT Stadium in Baltimore with you. (Tom)

Helping you paint the outside of your home in Grove City one summer weekend was a nice time; you always took such meticulous care of your home, which was instilled in all of us. (Tom)

Most importantly, knowing that, based on all that you and Mom taught and instilled in us, you can see that we turned out "pretty good" in life. You should be very proud - of yourself on a "job well done." (All)

From Courtney: Time together was less frequent as I got older, but the time that we did have was still special.

You always made me feel special by asking about my job, school, friends, life experiences and other things. You give me undivided attention and I always feel as if you are truly interested in everything that I have to say. After the visits, you always remembered the things that I told you.

I will always cherish the time spent with you in Ohio as an adult because our conversations grew in depth and breadth. And, I loved our family dinners.

FUNNIEST MOMENTS:

Along with all the serious developmental issues and life events, we had a lot of fun and your droll Irish sense of humor permeated even the most somber events. We want to share some of the funny memories that we shared with you as these were also important in shaping our characters.

FUNNIEST MOMENTS:

Dad, we all admired your "art of storytelling" - you had the shtick down pat. You could get most everyone to believe anything (just ask your General Motor coworkers). As they say: "You could sell ice to an Alaskan in the middle of winter." You seem to have a memory bank of "factoids" stored in your hardware (brain) from which you would pull out random information to support a current story. Was it a fact, stretched truth, "derived" fact, or conjecture by the master storyteller? The story would always begin with: "They say …" All with a straight, blank face. The only giveaway, and one had to look very closely to find it, was the twinkle in your eyes. (Colleen and Tom)

I learned very well from you the whole "who, what, where, when and how" act very well. At the same time, you demonstrated that humor can be irreverent, but never mean or hurtful. Important lessons for life. Jeff and I will have a discussion and he will say that's a "Bob story" or a "Bob-ism" sometimes, but most of the time, he still "bites" and I reel him in. As P.T. Barnum said: "There's a sucker born every minute." (Colleen)

When you would go back to work after a layoff or strike, we would all dance around the house singing, "we're in the money." (Colleen)

You used to do this thing where you would kick out your right foot and click your fingers and thumb pointing ahead … roll on, Dad, roll on. (Tom)

You ordered a new 1968 Pontiac Catalina when I (Tom) was in grade school. While waiting its arrival, you were driving around the family station wagon, you said: "No one is going to pass me on the road when I get that new car." Still cracks me up. (Tom)

You and Mom got hooked on the "Trouble" game, which was a young child's game. We would come home from school and you would be locked in an epic battle of Trouble. Northern Ireland had nothing on you two. (Colleen)

When walking me down the aisle at my wedding, you started to do a commentary on the attendees out of nowhere, which made me start laughing. The wedding photographer captured the moment - you have a cheeky grin while I have an all-out laugh. (Colleen)

You had a great wit that would come out at the most brilliant times - your timing was always spot on. You would be quiet and unassuming and then out of the blue, you would throw out a "one-liner" or a "zinger" that no one saw coming. (Colleen)

You had nicknames for all of us that best can be compared to caricatures in literature; it is a description of a person using an exaggeration of some characteristics and oversimplification of others. Not offensive - just a warm, tongue-in-cheek joke to share within the family.

Karen: "Miss Priss" - there's a beautiful photo of Karen, about age 10. She is sitting on a front porch chair, wearing a very pretty dress, reading a book (Bobbsey Twins) that her hands were daintily holding.

Colleen: "Calamity Jane" -I was always charging enthusiastically into new adventures, but lacking natural grace and athleticism mostly due to inattention and an urgency to do everything at once, would often "crash and burn." Although those times became less in adulthood, I still have "Calamity Jane" moments.

Tom: "Doubting Thomas" - never believing what he was told, heard, or read until he had absolute proof or experienced it himself.

This is based on the Biblical New Testament story where Thomas, one of the apostles of Christ, refused to believe that Jesus had risen from the grave without seeing evidence. This nickname describes someone who refuse to simply believe in something out of pure faith without evidence. (Urban Dictionary)

Courtney added:

From photos and second-hand information, you anointed me as the first I don't remember this personally, but through photos and second-hand information I'll always laugh when I recall the story of "Turkey Baby" - you put me as a newborn (only a few weeks old) in a roasting pan on the counter side-by-side with that year's Thanksgiving turkey. As I have gotten older, I really have come to appreciate your sense of humor and playful aspect.

Papaw, we could always make you laugh by reminiscing about my difficulties with "good-byes." One year, you and Nana came to visit when I was very young. It was time to say goodbye and I was Not Having It. I really wanted to go with you and Nana in your car instead of getting into my parents' Volvo after dinner. Amid a temper tantrum, I shouted out, "I HATE that Volvo!" - wishing I could spend more time with you and Nana. I have never been good at goodbyes, but at least we can look back at that one and share a smile.

MAJOR LESSONS LEARNED

Dad, we learned a lot from you. You probably did not even realize the extent because much of what we learned from you was by observation. You were a living example of how to be a very good person. Again, we each tried to narrow it down to the "top lessons learned."

Again, Tom had the correct words: "Measure twice, cut once." Literally, we all liked to hang out in your workshop (and sometimes pretend we didn't hear Mom calling us - especially if we were sneaking in a game of pool). "I used to be in awe of all the things Dad would make in his woodshop. Paying attention helped, or some woodworking skills are transferred genetically? I will never be close to your skill level with wood crafts; however, I watched and learned a great deal from you. Luckily, I (Colleen) learned a lot also as I did not marry a "fixer" and often have done the repairs myself. Lessons in the workshop were applied to my life as well."

We all learned these important lessons about planning based on the "big picture," but executing precision with all of the details, creating uniqueness in every endeavor, doing things right the first time (or "if something is worth doing, do it right."), taking time with everything ("Patience, grasshopper. Wax on, wax off…"). All forever ingrained (pun intended).

Conducting every aspect of one's life with honesty and integrity. From home to work (GM and part-time renovation projects), you always exemplified those virtues and we have tried to emulate you. Dad, at times, I (Colleen) am brutally honest - my friends always knew to ask my opinion only if they really wanted a truthful one. You always protected feelings: "Do you like this (and you did not)?" You would respond, "It's all right." Beside your classic response that we still use in our home, Jeff added "Where are you going to wear it (translation: "do you mean you're going to leave the house in it?"). Polina and Chika even picked up your expression.

Respect and patience for everyone. You treated all of us as individuals and recognized we had to learn in our own way. § You taught me about parenting with patience and taking the long view by "letting your children become who they want to be without direction or constriction of who they are." Karen

Treat others as you would like to be treated and with equal importance. No matter if the person is a maintenance worker, secretary or the company president, each is a V.I.P. This was an important lesson that served us well. I (Colleen) truly believe this and always lived my life this way. I treat every person accordingly and as a result, saw the tremendous positive effect on others that began a two-way relationship. Yes, from the person at the lowest rung in an organization to the highest - each is always a V.I.P.

Find humor in everything as "laughter is great medicine." And, if you want fun, create it - helps alleviate boredom and makes your home/work life more interesting. At home, our dinner banter was often the best part of the day. Jeff didn't know what to think initially but came to really enjoy it - especially your quick wit (he only laments that you passed it on to me).

Enjoy the quiet and be comfortable with silence. If you have a good relationship, there is no need to fill the quiet times with endless chatter. Tom calls this "quiet peacefulness." Editorial comment: for an engineer, he sure has eloquent words. Dad, I guess this is why you don't like to talk on the phone.

"Walk the walk instead of "talk the talk." You demonstrated this every day and expected the same for us. You always acted with humility and never bragged about yourself. An example is that you were an honor guard at the white house for President Truman - and had a nice certificate that you kept with your papers. A tremendous honor. You never talked about it or displayed the certificate (or your medals); we only found out recently. You honorably served your country and had no need for praise or other recognition. We have such admiration for you. I (Colleen) looked up the origin of this phrase and was really a surprise.

According to ThePhraseFinder, "the earliest usage of this phrase comes from the Mansfield News, an Ohio newspaper printed in June 1921." There a line from the newspaper that reads:

"Although he has no gilded medals upon his bosom, Howard Herring of the North American Watch company, walks the walk, and talks the talk, of a hero today."

Give without expectation - give based on someone else's needs without assuming something will come back to you in return. You gave to others with no expectations only because you saw a need and filled it. What a great lesson! I never thought about it because it was just a way of life for you and Mom until Jeff encountered this way of giving with you. Early in our dating, you realized that he had very few tools (a "fixer" he is not). You had some extra hand tools and you just gave them to him. He said "your Dad did not want to be paid for them. Should I do something else?" I thought irreverently, "well he sure doesn't want your assistance with any projects." I said slowly, still not comprehending his dilemma: "Dad saw that you needed some basic tools, he had extras, and gave you some. If you thanked him, he's good." I only learned later that many people, including his family, always expect something in return. And, I had to continually teach the concept of "give to give" repeatedly. This was a tremendous "gift" that you gave to us.

Karen added this quote to reflect on her development: "A father is neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose Love shows us the way." - Unknown

Courtney summarized her lessons: "Papaw, you taught me the value of helping others when you can, being a good listener, withholding judgement, picking your battle (and letting the little things go) and putting the needs of those you love before your own."

Editorial comment: Dad, are you as impressed with Courtney's intuitiveness as I am? All of these are lessons that you and Mom taught us our entire lives.

FAVORITE GIFTS

Dad, you gave us so many "GIFTS" of every type, but I challenged everyone to choose THE most important gift that you gave to him/her.

Karen: I look back on how I developed my lifelong, deep love of reading and realize that much of it is due to your very early influence when you facilitated trips to the Carnegie Library, showed patience during these trips, bought me special books, built a custom panda bookcase to hold my treasures, and encouraged me.

Colleen: Beside the tremendous lessons that you taught, mostly by example, the "gift" that is at the top of my list is giving me the Irish "gift of gab" not in the usual sense but with the art of storytelling that was always accompanied by a quick wit and wicked sense of humor. Nature vs Nurture? Thank for both and could not have asked for a better teacher.

Tom: Undoubtedly, your time and attention where you demonstrated respect and endless patience that never quit. You were always there for me. I wish that I had asked you more things, more often. But it was not your way to tell anyone to do anything in a certain way.

Courtney: I had a tough relationship with my dad growing up, but I was lucky enough to have a grandfather like you, who was a shining star in terms of being a father and a husband. Watching and learning about the way you interact with family members has provided me with the strongest role model possible. It has helped me set a standard for what I want for my own future. This gives me something of you to hold onto and guide me for the rest of my life, which is the greatest gift of all.

TRADITIONS

Traditions are passed down in a family and carry parts of all those who came before them. You and Mom made so many holidays and events special with the small touches based on traditions that I am sure came from your parents/families. These have been woven into the fabric of our lives. We hope it gives you comfort to know that we carry on these traditions and will encourage continuity by future generations.

Tom:

Each New Year's Eve, I place coins that you and Mom gifted to me on windowsills and above doorway entrances to my home to bring prosperity into my home for the coming year.

I love to kick back dressed in a pair of khakis and white t-shirt - the same "cool and easy style" that you wore after work every day.

I remember looking at your wingtip shoes when I was a little kid…always thought that wearing wingtips were cool and still wear them daily.

My greatest hobbies are woodworking and home remodeling and I now have a woodshop which you can admire as you showed me the way to making sawdust!

Colleen:

As Tom does, I place (mostly) silver coins on the windowsill to bring in prosperity for the new year (Dad, how long is this supposed to take?).

I will always carry on the love of Christmas and will carry on as many of the wonderful family traditions of decorations, fun presents and stocking stuffers, special cookies (still have the recipes that originated from The Pittsburgh Press), opening one present on Christmas eve and the other on Christmas morning, putting the tree up around Tom's birthday and taking it down on the Feast of the Three Kings, special holiday dinners (good thing I was paying attention to your carving techniques because I do the carving).

While I was physically able, our entire home in Ahwatukee was decorated, inside and out. The entire family helped with the outdoor lights. What a fun night! In your inimitable style, you told Polina's fiancé that it was a family tradition that a new family member sing "Frosty the Snowman." Walter totally believed it and belated out a rendition. Everyone was practically rolling on the ground laughing. It's one of my favorite memories. Outside lights? I did it (Tom helped when he lived in Phoenix) but did not have to contend with the subzero weather and snow in Phoenix.

Tradition of volunteerism - both you and Mom taught us to contribute for the good of others who need the help. "Service above self." How many woodworking projects do you have in churches and schools? There are too many to count of every variety. Financial support - you always gave to your church and favorite charities. Donations - if you did not need something, you donated it to someone who did. Time - both of you served willingly for the good of society. I volunteered from college days until I was physically unable due to the example you set.

Tradition of educating oneself on United States and World news. You always subscribed to U.S. News and World Report and we would always discuss the "happenings." I still must have my daily news fix with USA Today.

MISS YOU ALREADY

When we are not able to be with physically, we miss you more than you will ever know. But we always carry you in our hearts and in the very essence of our being. What will we miss the most?

Knowing that you are there for us - at the end of a telephone line or at home in Grove City.

Talking with you every Sunday afternoon - we always have great discussions (Tom).

Just being with you doing something together or doing nothing - it is always easy to be with you as you are just as happy to read or watch programs togher as you are to have an in-depth, lively discuss.

Being reassured by your quiet, calm presence.

Counting on you, the "anchor" of our family to keep everyone and everything on an even keel.

Your great sense of humor, quick wit and subtle jokes. Laughing together.

Hearing your take on world news and the things that interest you most.

Being able to talk about everything from world-wide crises to very personal issues.

Knowing that Mom is being cared for by the best person in the world.

And everything else about our Dad and Papaw.

Personal messages

From deep in our hearts, we would like to know …

Karen: When you are gone physically, I will try not to be too sad, knowing your presence and influence will always be deep within me. I truly believe that "A father holds his daughter's hand for a short while, but he holds her heart forever." - Unknown

Courtney: I love you, Papaw, and I don't think I got to say it enough. While I spent a lot of time apart from you, it made every moment we spent together more precious. I really treasure each memory I have with you, and I'm so grateful for all of our visits, conversations (however brief), and cards exchanged to keep us connected. Thank you so much for all the love you shared.

"A grandpa holds his grandchild's hand for a while and her heart for a lifetime." - Unknown

Colleen: Dad, thanks for being such as wonderful father, husband, friend and person who shared so much with our entire family and taught by example. Just knowing that you were there for me - to celebrate the good times and support me in the bad - was the greatest and only gift that I ever wanted. We always had an easy father-daughter relationship with a shared sense of humor and irreverent take on the world. You are the only one with whom I can share the "naked truth" within self-deprecating humor about my current state. I Will miss hearing your voice when I call "home." I will never say "goodbye." I will follow the Japanese way of never saying goodbye as it seems so permanent. Instead, I will see you later in the next dimension - maybe Grandma Mary can show you how you can reach me any time. I will wait to hear from you and/or see you in my visions. I wish you peace and Godspeed. Love you forever.

As We Look Back

As we look back over time

We find ourselves wondering …..

Did we remember to thank you enough

For all you have done for us?

For all the times you were by our sides

To help and support us …..

To celebrate our successes

To understand our problems

And accept our defeats?

Or for teaching us by your example,

The value of hard work, good judgment,

Courage and integrity?

We wonder if we ever thanked you

For the sacrifices you made.

To let us have the very best?

And for the simple things

Like laughter, smiles and times we shared?

If we have forgotten to show our

Gratitude enough for all the things you did,

We're thanking you now.

And we are hoping you knew all along,

How much you meant to us.

Tom: Dad, you are a great father, husband, man and legendary teacher who accomplished so much in your lifetime. I never once heard you complain about anything, ever. I respect your strength and never saw you cry until late in life when you grew emotional talking about your time with the Marine Corp. I love you and will miss you so much, including our Sunday afternoon talks. When we are apart, I always miss just feeling reassured by just being near you whether we are actively engaged or doing nothing at all. Be assured that you did well. I will carry your spirit forward with me and thank you for a lifetime together. I will not say "goodbye"- just "see you later."

Tom added the final, very thoughtful poem.

SHIFTING THE SUN

WHEN YOUR FATHER DIES, SAY THE IRISH, YOU LOSE YOUR UMBRELLA AGAINST BAD WEATHER. MAY HIS SUN BE YOUR LIGHT.

WHEN YOUR FATHER DIES, SAY THE RUSSIANS, HE TAKES YOUR CHILDHOOD WITH HIM.

MAY YOU INHERIT HIS LIGHT.

WHEN YOUR FATHER DIES, SAY THE WELSH, YOU SINK A FOOT DEEPER INTO THE EARTH.

MAY YOU INHERIT HIS LIGHT.

WHEN YOUR FATHER DIES, SAY THE CANADIANS, YOU RUN OUT OF EXCUSES.

MAY YOU INHERIT HIS SUN.

WHEN YOUR FATHER DIES, SAY THE INDIANS, HE COMES BACK AS THUNDER.

MAY YOU INHERIT HIS LIGHT.

WHEN YOU FATHER DIES, SAY THE ENGLISH, YOU JOIN HIS CLUB YOU VOWED YOU WOULDN'T. MAY YOU INHERIT HIS SUN.

WHEN YOUR FATHER DIES, SAY THE ARMENIANS, YOUR SUNSHINE SHIFTS

AND YOU WALK IN HIS LIGHT.

-Unknown Author

Family will receive friends for visitation from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2019 at the Schoedinger Grove City Chapel, 3920 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2019 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 3730 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Lockbourne, Ohio.

As an alternative to flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) in Bob's memory.

Arrangements entrusted to the Schoedinger Grove City Chapel. Please visit https://www.schoedinger.com to sign the online guest book and to share a memory with the family.

The Moran family would like to thank Bella Care Hospice and their compassionate team who have helped in so many ways. A very special and loving note to Suzie and Kelly, for their exceptional care.