Obituary
Johannes (Hans) Mooyman passed away at the age of 88 on Tuesday, July 27, 2021.
Born in the Netherlands, Hans came to the United States to pursue his two loves, education and the woman who would become his wife and devoted partner for life, Mathilda (Tilly) Mooyman.
Hans had a natural curiosity and loved intellectual pursuits. After graduating as a chemical engineer from Delft University in the Netherlands, one of the top engineering and technology universities in the world, he obtained a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Cornell University in record time (2 years), and a M.B.A. in Finance from Fairleigh Dickenson University (graduating magna cum laude), while working full time as a biochemist. He continued to take courses in the science, technology, and computing fields at Rutgers University throughout his career and on-line courses at Harvard, Yale and whatever institution offered an interesting course online during his retirement.
Married for 59 years, Hans and Tilly made their home in New Jersey, became US citizens, raised three well-educated children, pursued their interests, and ultimately retired to Venice, Florida where Hans enjoyed nature, one of his favorite passions. He enjoyed an active life, biking, kayaking, swimming, and spending time with his family. He volunteered with the Friends of the Carlton Reserve, protecting the wildlife, and taking pictures of his beloved birds (and animals) as he communed with nature. He developed his woodcarving skills in community clubs and perfected his photography skills in the Venice Photography Club. He proudly shared his artistic works with his family and friends.
Hans is survived by his loving wife, Tilly, daughters Barbara Drexler (Michael), Mariette (Scott Scungio) and Cynthia Farrell (Evan) and grandchildren, Savannah, Megan, Kayla, John, Connor, Kyle, and Siena. Hans was one of 9 siblings. He is survived by countless family members and friends who will forever hold him dear in their hearts and continue to celebrate his life.
Mass will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 10am at Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota Street, Venice, FL. 34285
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Swallow Tail Kite Fund (www.arcinst.org/donation)
Arrangements are under the care of Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society in Sarasota.
I was fortunate that Hans found me and we had a friendship over birds. His love of Swallow-tailed Kites and his previous research and expertise on birds led him to inquire and reach out to my non-profit: Avian Research and Conservation Institute. We had many exchanges over trapping ideas and owls and kites, and he was able to join us in the field for a few captures of Swallow-tailed Kites. I enjoyed the few visits we had and his passion for birds and bird research. He was very generous and inventive, creating a mechanical owl we could use for our captures. We will continue with his prototype and will try it out in the field this year. May you migrate high with the Swallow-tailed Kites Hans. You will be missed.
Gina Kent