L J Moravy

September 19, 1950 – May 18, 2025

L. Joe Moravy, affectionately known as Joe to friends and family, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. Born on September 19, 1950, in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, he was the fourth child of Herbert Lee Moravy and Ida Blanche Moravy (née Ankrom). Joe cherished childhood memories of visiting his grandparents’ farm in southern Ohio, participating in his church youth group, and playing tackle for the Mount Pleasant Oilers high school football team.

A graduate of Michigan Technological University, Joe earned an MBA from the University of Michigan. After passing the Certified Public Accountant exam, he joined Arthur Andersen’s Chicago office as a staff auditor. Over his 30-year tenure, he rose to partner, serving many of the area’s leading financial institutions. He later joined Ernst & Young, where he provided expert advice and mentored staff until his retirement in 2008. Post-retirement, Joe served as an independent consultant and on the boards of several mutual funds.

Joe brought the same dedication to his personal life, nurturing deep relationships with family and friends. An avid golfer and traveler, he found joy on the fairways and exploring the world. Perhaps his greatest happiness came from being a proud father to his two sons and loving grandfather to his six grandchildren. Joe’s warmth, dry wit, and genuine interest in others fostered lasting friendships throughout his many social groups. He was an active member of Medinah Country Club and The University Club of Chicago, contributing to numerous committees and welcoming new members.

Joe is survived by his wife, Linda S. Watson; his sons, Leif Moravy (Cristina) and Lars Moravy (Juliana), from his first marriage to Marie Elisabeth Moravy (née Köhlvik); and his sister, Mary Ellen Crain (née Moravy). He was preceded in death by his first wife, his parents, and his brothers, Gerald J. Moravy and James Lee Moravy. He will be remembered for the joy he brought to all and his passion for sharing learning experiences.

A memorial service will be held on May 28, 2025, at 11:00 am at Medinah Country Club, Medinah, Illinois, 6N001 Medinah Rd, Medinah, IL 60157. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Evans Scholars Foundation, Chicago Lights Tutoring Program, or the American Cancer Society.

Evans Scholars Foundation – https://wgaesf.org/you-make-the-difference

Chicago Lights Tutoring – https://chicagolights.org/donate/

American Cancer Society – https://donate.cancer.org/