Thomas Moore Obituary

Thomas David Moore, 75, of Callawassie Island, SC – formerly of Simsbury, CT – passed away on December 2, 2025, leaving a legacy of joy, love, and devotion.

Tom was born on December 8, 1949, in Akron, OH to the late Bill and Marjean Moore, a middle child between beloved sisters Linda and Patty. Known affectionately as "Mot" after he wrote home from camp and signed his name backward (a left-handed spirit if there ever was one), Tom was destined to be a force of nature – as an entertainer, an athlete, a father, a patriarch, and of course a golfer. One friend, when describing Tom years ago, inadvertently got it perfect: "he drives a ball 300 yards – in ALL directions!"

Although better known for being the last one off the dance floor at a wedding, Tom's baritone could also carry a tune. He brought the crowd to its feet as "Billis" in his high school production of South Pacific; he provided bedtime vocal backing tracks to "Somewhere, Out There" for his two young daughters Katie and Lizzie as they adjusted to being a family of three; he Prayed Twice and sang with his whole heart at every Catholic Mass he attended with his family (even though he was a Methodist).

Tom was an exceptional athlete and sportsfan. He was a standout high school wrestler, ensured his children could recite the Major League movie script by the time they reached driving age, and led a true Football Life: a devoted OSU fan (who watched them beat Michigan on his final Saturday); Cuyahoga Falls High School Hall of Fame inductee for his talent as an offensive lineman for the '68 Black Tigers; and recruitee of Glenn Edward "Bo" Schembechler Jr. to play for Miami University on a four-year football scholarship.

At Miami University, he found lifelong friends and memories beyond football. He was a proud Sigma Chi, studied abroad in Taiwan, and authored stories retold by many ever since. One of his favorites involved stealing lunch trays to sled down what would become Western College Hill – a pastime foiled when the dining hall wised up and stopped replacing the trays. Most importantly, Miami was where he met his friend, his love, and his wife, Maggie Mayhall Moore, who preceded him in death.

An incredible work ethic and talent for building relationships brought Tom's family from Cincinnati, to St. Louis, to Granby, CT where he took a promotion at Sealed Air before joining his longtime mentor at Cellu Tissue in Hartford, ultimately serving as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. He and Maggie built their dream house together on Brookside Drive, an idyllic cul-de-sac filled with joyful kids, good neighbors, and tractor races on the 4th of July.

After Maggie's passing, Tom remained a fiercely devoted father to his two daughters. When he met his future wife Rosalie through a mutual connection, they recognized in each other the same indomitable spirit, mettle, and belief in family. Tom welcomed her children, Emmet, Katherine, and Conor, into his life with no qualifiers or footnotes; they were his own. The Moorferter Clan was born on Thanksgiving Day '93, and Tom once again built his family a home at 5 Summerwood in West Simsbury, CT. Over a decade, much life and myriad memories unfolded. His house was so popular with kids in town that the street sign was often stolen.

As a patriarch, Tom effortlessly held a position of esteem that approached mythical. To his high-school aged kids and many of their friends, he was the paragon of "a life well-lived." He was perpetually cheerful, loved a good joke, and gave John Candy-level bear hugs. His perfect day included family, a good tee time, and a finger (or two) of Famous Grouse. He always had a game on TV, could be found any golf-able weekend at Hop Meadow Country Club, and held court from his signature Brown Leather Chair, feet up. Once in a blue moon, if you approached softly, you could catch him there, beatifically asleep with his golf shoes on.

Tom created one last dream home with Rosalie on Callawassie Island. Unparalleled in its views of the Low Country marshes and sunsets, it's where he lived his last two decades with his beloved "Rosie," literally dozens of pairs of golf shoes, and many visits from his greatest treasure, his family.

To everyone who knew him, Tom – "Morby," "Bubba," "Big T," "Mot," "Papa Tom," – was larger than life. Many have described the singular, indelible impact Tom had on them, yet the word cloud that could be constructed from such a collective narrative is inevitable: Big. Bigger. Ginormous. Heart. Warm. Kind. Legend.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Rosalie Moore; his devoted children Kate (Tony), Elizabeth (Kevin), Emmet (Meagan), Katherine (Fritz), and Conor (Ally); and his grandchildren Keeley, Libby, Cora, Tommy, Maury, Hadley, Jack, and Brynn, all of whom adored their Papa Tom. He is also survived by his sisters Linda (John) and Patty (Don), and more family and friends than could ever be contained on any page. He left this world as he lived it: deeply loved, stubbornly joyful, impossible to forget.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held in Connecticut. The family will share dates and details once they are confirmed.