Obituary of William C. Moore

William, Criswell Moore passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 25, 2024. He was 95 years old.

William was married to his college sweetheart Nancy, for 71 years. He was predeceased by her in 2022. Together they brought six children into the world: Jennifer Lynn, Sandra Jeanne, Jacquelyn Anne, Susan Lee, Maryellen Criswell, and David William. Mr. Moore is also survived by eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

William was an educator in New Jersey and rose to the level of superintendent of schools after having been a science teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent of schools. In his earlier life, Mr. Moore had been a pole vaulter and football player. He coached football and later followed professional and college ball through the years. He was a voracious reader and particularly enjoyed historical biographies. He liked to tease his brain with crossword puzzles, sudoku, solitaire and spider. He was an artist as well and enjoyed it for relaxation and display in his home. He also had a comical side which included many "dad jokes."

William was not a particularly good student at the start, but he was a curious learner who had determination and the grit to succeed. He fought to get into the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania where he majored in economics. He then went on to graduate from Seton Hall University with a master’s degree in educational administration. Later in life, he went back to Drew University and received a second master’s degree in divinity. Shortly afterward he was assigned to a United Methodist Church position in North Bergen and stayed there for 5 years before completely retiring.

He had a lifelong interest in music. He and his wife Nancy were an inveterate musical team. Together they began many choral organizations in New Jersey where William conducted, and Nancy played the organ. Music truly bonded the family, and he knew it was a healthy avenue of expression for them. While growing up, all the children were trained in music as well as academics. The family sang, practiced, attended church regularly and prayed together. He also taught his children how to swim, how to be independent and to pursue a higher education. William was an Eagle Scout and taught all his children how to camp, build campfires and set up tents. He built a boat by hand and the family named it. Today there is confusion as to the name of the boat. Was it Seymour, Seamoor, Seamore or SeaMoore? He took his children to many sights, from Lake George to the St. Lawrence Seaway, to Somes Sound and Mt Desert Island campground in Maine. One adventurous summer, the family camped across the entire country and each one of the children, today, views that as one of the highlights of their childhood. On non-camping trips the family would vacation at Long Beach Island and Ocean City, NJ. Those vacations leave his family with beautiful lifetime memories of their father’s indomitable spirit.

He loved his family deeply, had a strong belief system and a firm faith in God as a positive force in his life. He will be sorely missed by family and friends.