August “A.T.” Thomas Mora, Sr., age 100, peacefully passed away at his home on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. Beloved Husband of the late Eleanor Reitmeyer Mora for 64-1/2 years. Loving Father of August “Tommy” T. Mora (Debra), Robert J. Mora (Gerri), Russell H. Mora (Paula), Mary E. Mora, Diane L. Mora, Donna Mora Sullivan (Jack) and Patricia Mora Larrieu (Paul). Devoted Grandfather of Christine Mora (David Park), Michelle Mora Foto (Jake), Sharon Mora Schulz (Alan), Brennan Ledet, Robert “Bobby” Mora II (Margarita), Melissa Mora Minasola (Pete), Brian Mora (Lauren), Erin Sullivan Copeland (Ron), Paul Larrieu II, David Mora and Alison Sullivan Lirette (Mike). Proud Great Grandfather of Jacqueline Park, Avery and Preston Mora, Sophia and Grace Minasola, Ella, Tripp and Auggie Copeland, Noah Mayeaux, and Rye Lauderdale. Son of the late William J. and Lillian Claire Mora. Brother of the late William “Willy” J. Mora, John J. Mora, Lillian Claire Mora Holley, and Joseph Edward Mora. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A.T. was born in 1918 in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in Mid City while attending Saint Aloysius High School. The high school mascot at that time was a Purple Panther. A.T. was a shortstop on the Purple Panthers’ baseball team. Family legend has it that opposing pitchers would tremble in fear when A. T. was at the bat. He was also a cross-country runner who continued his interest in running by participating in local fundraising races until he was 90 years old.
A.T. served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II and was assigned to defend the Aleutian Islands.
A.T. retired from Southern Pacific Railroad (now Union Pacific Railroad) after 40 years of service. He followed in the footsteps of his father who was also a lifetime railroad man. Additionally, for many years A.T. held a second full-time job working with his brothers in the dry cleaning business.
A.T. was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Francis Xavier Church in Metairie, Louisiana.
He was a proud fan and supporter of LSU Tiger sports and the New Orleans Saints. A.T.’s greatest pleasure in life was being with his family celebrating holidays and birthdays.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Katharine Rose and her staff and (Angel) Donna Dantin for their extraordinary care, concern and support.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass on Monday, December 17, 2018 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 444 Metairie Road at 11:30. Interment will follow in Lake Lawn Park. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church.
The world has changed dramatically since A.T. was born. A man dedicated to family and friends, he lived a purposeful life with an unending faith in God. He strongly believed it was important to say or do something nice for someone every single day by performing random acts of kindness. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider continuing his legacy of kindness to others or by contributing to the Epilepsy Foundation of Louisiana or a charitable organization of your choice.
To sign and view the Family Guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
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