Joseph J. Moran, Jr.

Obituary

Joseph J. Moran, age 71 passed away at his home in Cocoa Beach, Florida on May 4, 2024 with his wife, Darla and loved ones by his side.

Joe was born November 7, 1952 to Joseph and Dorothy Moran. After graduating from High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy with his brother, Tim. He proudly served on the USS Simon Lake AS-33 and the USS Hunley AS-31. On September 20, 1971 Joe became a Golden Shellback.

Joe was proud to have done his duty to help defend the freedom of citizens across this country. He continued his service helping military veterans as a member of the American Legion, Post 359, Port St John, Florida where he served as commander for four years. He was also a member of the Cocoa Beach VFW 10148 The Minutemen Post.

After relocating to Florida with his family, Joe continued serving the community. He embarked upon a 28-year long career as a firefighter in Titusville, Florida. He made life-long friends while there who remain a very important part of his life.

Joe loved his vacations with his wife, Darla. They pulled their RV and traveled to their lake home in Northern Minnesota for the summer months, camping, and making friends along the way. Most of all he loved the time spent outdoors; boating, fishing, building bon fires, and making wonderful memories with family and friends. Joe’s passion for tractors was unmatched, he loved “Red” (Farmall Model A) the most.

Joe had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He was generous, loyal, and brave. He was clever and full of knowledge gained through all his life experiences; mechanic, firefighter, fisherman, and contractor – he could build and fix anything.

Joe will be remembered for all the love he shared with his wife, family, and friends. He truly loved each of them – and if you knew him, you knew it. When his time came, he carried himself with dignity, strength, and full of love for those he was leaving behind and those who went before him. He will be missed dearly.

Joseph is survived and missed by his loving wife, Darla (Bergman); his daughter Erin Spera (Tony Spera); his other children, Brandi Schroeder (Curtis Jenkins); Brittany Bye (Lucas Bye); Jade Schroeder (Patrick McKiernan); Christine Metzler and John DeMello. Forever cherished and remembered by his 12 grandchildren, Nevaeh Spera; Keira, Hudson, and Farrah Bye; Caleb Jenkins; Courtney Poteet, Gavin Lucas, Declan, Rhiannon, Landon, and Edan Lucas-DeMello; Anthony Spera. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Siblings and their families Tim Moran (Ellen Moran); Patricia Karnbach; Dorothy Oldaker; John Moran (Mengru Liu); Anne Marie Thornton (Ken Thornton).

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy Moran, brothers Michael, Dennis, Neal, and Raymond Moran.

A memorial service will be held at the American Legion Post 359 in Titusville, Florida on May 19, 2024 at 2:30 pm. Burial will be at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.