Obituary of Richard James Moran
Richard James Moran (Dick), 77, of Warren, NJ; a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains, NJ. His valiant fight against leukemia was marked by great strength and dignity, enduring a long difficult road with unwavering courage.
Born in the Bronx, NY, to Helen and James Moran, Dick moved to New Milford, NJ where he spent his childhood. He excelled in football and baseball, but enjoyed competing in all sports. It was in New Milford High School where he met the love of his life, Lynn Morris. High school sweethearts, they wed in 1970.
An alumnus of West Virginia Institute of Technology, Dick's quest for knowledge didn’t stop with his college graduation. He went on to earn his CPA, setting the stage for a distinguished career in accounting and finance. Richard’s professional journey began at Arthur Andersen, continuing on to Johnson & Johnson where he held a number of various positions in finance at different J&J companies and locations for 32 years, before retiring as an Executive Vice President of Finance for Ortho Biotech in Raritan, NJ.
A devout member of Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church in Martinsville, NJ for over four decades, Dick’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He found joy in the simple pleasures life offered; whether it was playing Little League baseball in his youth, enjoying golf, or basking in the summer sun at his Stone Harbor home, Dick embraced every moment. When his children were young Dick could be found on the soccer field helping coach soccer, serving as a ski club chaperone, working as a cub scout volunteer or being a starter for his children’s swim team. His grandchildren’s soccer, baseball, and basketball games have brought much joy in recent times, as well as many rounds of golf with them.
His retirement years were sweetened by winters in Florida and continued celebrations with loved ones, marking many occasions with joy and festivity. Before his illness, Dick and Lynn were fortunate to be able to travel to many places on their bucket list.
Dick’s commitment to community service was most exemplified by his dedication to the American Red Cross in Somerset County, where he served as a past president in the late 1990s. His passion for blood donation was personal and profound, especially as he required multiple blood transfusions during his own health battle. This legacy of giving and support became a testament to his caring, generous nature.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Lynn; children, Keith Moran (Samantha) of Ringoes, NJ, Lori Beecher (Nathan) of Silver Spring, MD; and adored grandchildren Brady and Blake Moran, Thomas and Andrew Beecher. He is also survived by his 3 sisters, Kathleen Garden (Richard) of Allendale, NJ, Vivian Swoboda (Paul) of Arlington, MA, Mary Ann Viviani (Peter) of Millsboro, DE, and his treasured nieces, Judith Swoboda, Christine Bailey, and Erica Viviani.
A visitation will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069. A mass will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 10:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, 1890 Washington Valley Rd, Martinsville, NJ 08836. Entombent will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge, NJ
In lieu of flowers, the Moran family asks that you consider a donation to the American Red Cross or donate blood in Dick's memory. Donations can be sent to: American Red Cross, Attn: c/o Financial Donations, 707 Alexander Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540
Dick’s life was a beautiful mosaic of hard work, love, and generosity. His legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those he touched.
