Richard Mark Moore

He was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts to Philip and Alida, brother to Claire and Louise. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Nunes Moore, who he lovingly referred to as "his bride" and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary; his 6 children: Marie, Leonard, Philip, Patricia, Thomas and Louise; 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

His first job as a teenager was in a machine shop alongside his father, where he first learned his strong work ethic. He played semi-pro hockey, when, on one fateful day caught a hockey puck in his mouth, knocking out most of his teeth. At the age of 18, he and one of his closest friends went to join the military, he was not accepted during this peace time, because the army required a minimum of 14 teeth and he had only 13...thanks to that hockey puck. So, instead, he attended Holyoke College where he obtained his degree in mathematics with a minor in history and began a career in teaching. He worked several jobs to put himself through school and landed his first teaching job in California where he met his bride. He would tell anyone who would listen how great his kids were, how talented and smart they were, their latest accomplishments, what great musicians they were, plays, gymnastics and tennis. He bragged about successes in the workforce as well as their beautiful families and don't get him started on his amazing grandkids!

After teaching many years, he moved on to educational sales rep for Science Research Association which became a part of IBM, developed educational games for his company RMark Games and educational programs for his company School bus Software. Always the educator, his love for teaching, especially the "hard cases" motivated him daily. He worked with autistic children, hired the disabled, and helped anyone willing to accept a hand up. He touched so many hearts and minds over the years.

He was tough and strong, loyal and faithful to friends and family and always seemed to leave a lasting imprint on anyone he met. He lived his life bold and fearless, believed that you must face your fears and that you can do anything you set your mind to. "Mind over matter" he would say. His favorite question "What's new and exciting?" He loved computers, learned so many programming languages. When he managed apartments, he always took great care of the tenants, even learned to tile kitchens and bathrooms. He was hard-working and had integrity in anything he set his sights to. He was a loving husband, father, and a friend to so many and will be missed.

In recent years, one of his favorite places was Walmart, although flowers would be lovely, sending Walmart gift cards would be a fun tribute to Pop and play a round of golf, putt putt, or hit a bucket of balls for him as he loved his golf!

Please share a story or favorite memory and photos, if you have them. Send cards, flowers and condolences to Patricia Moore.