1920 – 2012
Brooklyn – George T. Moran, Jr., 92, of Canterbury St., died Sunday, November 11, 2012, in Pierce Memorial Baptist Home. He was the loving husband of the late Constance (Dee) Moran. Born in Putnam, he was the son of the late George T. Moran, Sr. and Lucy (Blair) Moran.
Mr. Moran was raised in Dayville and was an avid fly-fisherman, learning at a young age and continued all throughout his adult life. He was an alter boy at St. Joseph’s Church in Dayville. He attended the Killingly School system graduating from Killingly High, and Putnam Trade School with two diplomas. George also skipped over the third grade moving up to the forth grade. He was very active playing baseball. He played semi-pro as a left handed pitcher for a number of teams in Eastern CT, and Rhode Island and also signed with the Boston Red Sox. In 1940 he went out to training camp in Ohio. His pitching arm gave out due to all the “unsupervised” hand pitching in his youth. After his injury, not wanting to return home, he joined the United States Navy in August of 1940. George graduated from Navy boot camp with honors. Upon graduating, he was selected to take a company of recruits through boot camp as their leader. When his new company graduated, he paraded them past the reviewing stand. He did this in front of the then president of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt who was the guest of honor. After graduation, he volunteered for duty out in the Pacific which was called “China Duty.” George did some pitching for Navy Teams at Pearl Harbor prior to the bombing on December 7, 1941. The fleet that he was attached to out in the pacific area were bombed on December 8, 1941, the day after Pearl Harbor. He served out in the Western Pacific for close to four years. He served on the U.S.S. Minneapolis, U.S.S. Black Hawk, and U.S.S. Secbec (A0-87) a lot of this time was spent at sea. His last ship was the U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB 42) New Construction at Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York. He was honorably discharged on August 1, 1946. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Area Victory Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Three Stars. He attained the rank of SK1C, Storekeeper First Class. After his Honorable Discharge in 1946, he enrolled in the G.I. Bill and started his management and supervisory skills. He was in management in the following company’s: Belding and Hemminway, American Thread, General Instruments, Duracell, J.M. Huber Lumber Company, Capehart, and the Hartford Courant. He never wanted to retire, so he worked up until the age of ninety. He married Constance E. Dee in 1942. They were married for 62 years until she predeceased him in 2004.
George is survived by his children, Retired Master Chief (U.S.N) George T. Moran, III and his wife Faith of Ashford, CT, Linda Williams of Monson MA, Michele Ciavola of East Longmeadow, MA, Michael Moran of Danielson, CT, and Rachel Caron and her husband Terry of Wytopitlock, ME; his thirteen grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his son, Timothy T. Moran.
Services with full military honors will be private. Gilman Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Robert "son Robert" Hartwell
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I remember when I first met George. He and Connie were living right across from the high school, had to be the early 80’s. I loved visiting him with my father and listening to his stories. Between his exploits in the Navy, and then his work afterward and the outdoor experiences, I always admired him for the life he lived. I could listen to that deep, beautiful voice all day long.
George impressed me with his work ethic, which I think played a big part in his longevity. His resilience and determination to the end of his career was commendable, even heroic to a point. Most would’ve thrown in the towel long before he ever did. His body failed him, otherwise he most likely would have worked ’til the end.
I know my dad was saddened by his passing, as he was looking forward to visiting George the next time he was in town (Thanksgiving). Me too, I’m gonna miss listening to those stories. Men like Big George don’t come around very often anymore and it’s a shame…the younger generations could learn a thing or two from a guy like him.
My Condolences,
Son Robert
Leonard Lefevre
I have many fond memories of my “Uncle George”. My condolences go out to all of my cousins. I hope all is well with all of you. Sorry for your loss. Lenny Lefevre.