Joseph (Joe) Moore Jr., 75, of Middletown, passed away Jan. 17, 2021. He was born April 11, 1945, in Long Branch to Joseph Moore Sr. and Madeline Moore. After graduating from Red Bank Catholic High School in 1963, he joined the United States Marine Corps. During his time as a Marine, he served in the Dominican Crisis 1965 and served in the Vietnam War 1966 – 1967. He attained the rank of sergeant and received an Honorable Discharge from the USMC 1963 – 1967. While in service he received multiple commendations that include a Distinguished Service Medal, three medals for Good Conduct, Rifle Marksman Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal (One Strike/Flight Award) for Meritorious Service in Vietnam with 2 Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Star and a Combat Aircrewman Insignia with 3 Stars. He also received the Navy Unit Commendation for outstanding heroism in action against the enemy.
After his Honorable Discharge, he joined Jersey Central Power and Light as a first-class lineman and later retired as a reginal supervisor in 2008. Joe was notorious for being hard but fair and was well respected for his professional knowledge, dedication, and hard work.
Joe had a larger-than-life personality and a heart of gold. He had a profound love for his family and friends and was always quick to lend a helping hand. Regardless of the obstacles he was facing in life, his compassion for others’ well-being was always a primary concern. On crutches and “broken” after a horrific motorcycle accident with his wife in 1971, Joe traveled by bus and subway every other day for a year to be with Barbara while she recovered at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in NYC.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Moore Sr. and Madeline Moore, mother-in-law Frances Zarrillo, and brothers Thomas Moore and Michael Moore. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Barbara Moore, daughter Michelle Bennett, son-in-law Frank Bennett, his brother Billy Moore and his wife Gina, sister-in-law Joanne Cherefko and her husband George, brother-in-law Richard Zarrillo and his wife Eunilyn, and many nieces and nephews.
“Daddy, you are my hero and although you are no longer here, you will always be in my heart. Frank and I are eternally grateful for your love and support. Rest easy knowing you were loved and appreciated.” – Michelle
A viewing will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at John Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Road Middletown. If you are unable to attend the service and would like to participate virtually please contact Pfleger Funeral Home at 732-671-1326 for Zoom link and details. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
The article originally appeared in the January 21 – 27, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
