Obituary of John August Moser

John August Moser passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024. 

This is a CELEBRATION OF HIS LIFE.  

Jack was born John August Moser, April 17, 1937, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY to Harold (who died when Jack was 12) and Helen (Smythe) Moser. He was younger brother to Joan (Moser) Cady. He grew up playing street hockey, stick ball in the streets and then worked delivering liquor as the “Man of the House” with nickname “Moon Dog” given by local mobsters starting at 13 yrs of age.  

 He mourned the death of his first-born son, Thomas Moser in an accident in Key West, Florida in 1963, with whom he is now reunited. He is survived by his seven other children – (in order of birth): Kathleen Moser (David Ashton) of Albany, NY, Kevin Moser (Jessie Sharpe-Pittet) of Pensacola, FL(Santiago, Chile), Sean Moser (Gwynne Rapier) of Mandeville, LA, Suzanne Moser (Andrew Thornton) of Charleston, SC, Marybeth Moser (Michael Murphy) of Mill Valley, CA, Megan Moser (David Stanley) of Bainbridge Island, WA and his partner in all things, his beloved Bryan Moser (“Sports Psychologist”/Office Manager) and Wildcat of Pensacola. He was blessed with and proud of his many grandchildren, including Emily, Julia and Natalie (Ashton); Joshua, Michael, Francisca and Thomas (Moser); Megan and Colin (Moser); and Harper and Declan (Murphy).  He was a beloved uncle to Caroline, Jill, Michael and Matthew Cady, his sister’s children and Betty Gormley, daughter to “brother”(cousin), Jack Gormley with whom he is reunited, along with his sister.  

He after meeting his wife, Noreen, at Saint John’s University became a devoted Catholic. He spent the years after graduating working for the Navy in various locations including Chicago, IL, Key West, FL, Worchester, MA, and in McClain VA, Bowie, MD & Virgina Beach, VA as well as, internationally in Vietnam and the Philippines. He retired after 20 years, in 1978 to Pensacola, FL.  

Although he was a war Veteran, he considered himself a dove in a hawk's profession and as such he was a fierce supporter of the work of Pax Cristi and Maryknoll groups and was involved in peace and justice work in the world.  He was head guidance counselor for many years at Pensacola Catholic High School, starting the soccer program, and being head Coach for a team that included two sons and daughter but received twice as many red cards and ejections from the game as any player on the field. In his spare time, he earned a Doctorate from Florida State University to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Saying that he loved his work counseling patients and leading men’s groups in his private practice is, of course, an understatement. It was his LIFE and he LOVED his patients, even as he bounced between hospital and rehab facilities these past couple of years, he continued to have telehealth counseling sessions (mostly pro-bono) and planned to return to his office until his last breath.  

Among his many talents were: long distance runner (before it became popular), founder of the nonprofit group “Building Together,” folk mass leader and guitar player, music, poetry and spiritual writing aficionado, and author of a dozen books of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Much of his writing was done in his “happy place”, in Ireland on a beautiful spit of land called Errislanan, overlooking the North Atlantic. He tried to go annually for the “Cliften Arts Festival” known to the locals as “the month of the lost side mirror” due to Jack’s lack of depth perception while driving. He dreamed of going back but could not swing it, due to debilitating health problems these past 7 years.  

Finally, our family’s heart felt gratitude and more importantly, our Dad’s love, goes out specifically to a great group of gentlemen including his “adopted sons” Jason Rawls, David Stocker and longtime family friends Father Dennis O’Brien, Les Ward, Frank Brown and Randy Brooks. You have filled his life with love, companionship, humor and connection. He was richly blessed to have each one of you in his life.  He talked often and with much gratitude for the difference each of you has made in your relationship to him. Indeed, he was a rich man, given the amount of love that continues to surround him.  

There will be a service for him this Tuesday, December 3rd at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, (303 W. Navy Blvd, Pensacola) at 11am, celebrated by Father Dennis O’Brien. And a Gathering Celebration afterwards as Culinary Productions (201 E. Wright Street) – from 1230pm -2pm. In lieu of flowers, if desired, please make a donation to: Doctors Without Borders, the Maryknoll Sisters or the Morning Star Program at St. John The Evangelist in Jack’s name. And in the coming weeks, if you think about it, please reach out to Bryan Moser (he has lost his best friend and hero.) Thank you.

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