John Moran

John Moran, known better by his friends and community as ‘Jack’, at age 83 passed away at South County Hospital in Wakefield, RI on September 10th, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving family and found his way peacefully under the capable and compassionate staff at South County and Hope Hospice.

He was born in North Attleboro, MA on October 17th, 1940 to John and Dorothea Moran. His family will attest to his mischievous sense of humor and penchant for trouble, which he carried with him all his life, as well as a strong moral compass and admirable work ethic.

He left home early and soon met Gail O’Brien, a wonderful woman with an enormous heart.

They adored each other instantly, fell in love and took their marriage vows on December 30, 1961. Gail and Jack settled into a truly good, peaceful, loving marriage that lasted 63 years. Best friends and lovers, they built a comfortable home in Wakefield, RI that he loved tending to and caring for.

Jack was a Welding Supervisor at General Dynamics and Master Mechanic with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 57 for most of his extensive career until his retirement in 2003. While one can’t drive around New England without running into a parking lot or stretch of road that Jack worked on, two major projects stand out: the Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge and the Lieutenant William F. Callahan Jr. Tunnel. He was an avid, lifelong learner, who completed college courses in Electrical Engineering and earned many professional certificates.

As a dedicated Cub and Boy Scout Leader for Troop #2, Jack’s presence enriched many young lives. He was also a member of the Peace Dale Congregational Church, Warwick Sportsman’s Club, and RI Saltwater Anglers, while also finding the time to act as a volunteer firefighter for South Kingston. He also held status as a 32nd° Mason.

Jack and Gail have three children together, Scott, Bonnie and Laura. A hard-working man, Jack was often up before dawn and home after dark. Even bone-tired, he would insist on cleaning up, before wrestling the kids to the couch to listen to them talk about their days. His children carry many dear memories of him. Scott and his Dad spent many hours fly fishing in the Northwest and saltwater fishing in Narragansett Bay; Laura learned from her father how to plant and grow rich gardens; while Bonnie learned to remain practical, in an ever-changing world. He was a ‘Jack’ of all trades.

When his children started families of their own, Jack was more than happy to take four granddaughters under his wing. Revelling in his new role as “Grampy”, his granddaughters always knew him to be kind, tender, and wise, quick to elicit a laugh and to brighten the mood. He was known for his antics, gentle teasing, story-telling and his heavy-handed iodine treatment for scrapes and bug bites. All his girls bonded with him over birdhouses, fishing lessons, and trips to the beach (even though sometimes, he wouldn’t share his little neck clams!)

Jack was always the first to roll up his sleeves and get to work, to lend a hand and share his expertise on - any - topic. From car troubles to fallen trees, from computer upkeep to searching in the grass for tiny, lost baby turtles, you could rely on him. From childhood, Jack loved dogs, and animals were always found in the house, from his first dog, Monk to his last dog, Duke - and everyone in between. Jack always kept about a half dozen bird feeders full in the yard - well protected from the squirrels. He was an avid fisherman and belonged to a hunting club, but he treated wildlife with respect and dignity. He loved the outdoors and traveling with his family, visiting Alaska, many National Parks and battlefields, as well as several European countries. But he loved being home and found great fun and joy in computers and computer games. Nothing could phase him and since he was quick to make friends, he found himself with a small online community of international friends thanks to the aviation games he played.

Jack Moran was a skilled mechanic, a well-loved father, and an admired man, not by luck or accident, but because he worked hard and strived to be the best that he could be. He will be most remembered for his professional ethics, light-hearted antics, how he tended to his marriage and his home, and for how he truly loved and provided for his family, no matter how far they strayed.

As we all gathered beside him and shared final words, he wanted each of us to know that he will “Always be by our side.”

Jack was preceded in death by his mother Dorothea Benson and mother-in-law Helen O’Brien Nicholas. He is survived by his wife Gail O’Brien Moran, his brothers Paul Moran and Nellie Benson; his children, Scott Moran, Bonnie Moran and Laura Moran; his granddaughters, Sarah Birch, Corinna Vaca-Moran, Marina and Arianna Vassilopoulos, his great-grandson, and his son-in-law John Roth and fellow union member Gary Tikoian.

Avery-Storti Funeral Services will oversee his cremation and burial. There will be a private service held for the family on Friday, September 13th at St. Francis Cemetery, where he will be put to rest.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Shriners Children’s Hospital.

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