John William Moore, Sr., 84, passed away at home in Paradise Valley on March 7, 2020. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sarabeth, his children, Anne Moore (Vinny Allen) of Bethesda, MD, Amy Mandala, of Tucson, and John William Moore, Jr. (DeeDee) of Phoenix; his sister, Barbara Rider; his grandchildren, Jack and Michael Mandala, Emma Moore, and John William Moore, III.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis B. Moore, Sr. and Louise Rickel Moore, his sister, Elizabeth Moore Schneider, and his brother, Lewis B. Moore, Jr.
Will was born at home on June 27, 1935, in Clarkdale, Arizona. After graduating from Morenci High School, he attended the University of Arizona, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, and during law school was a founding member of the Arizona Law Review. After graduating from the University of Arizona Law School in 1959, he joined the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, and completed service in the Army Reserves as a young lawyer.
Will went on to practice law for almost 60 years, until his retirement in 2018. He was past President of the Phoenix Chapter of The American Board of Trial Advocates, and was a Certified Specialist in Personal Injury Law. Will was a member of the Board of Directors of the Amerind Museum and Foundation for many years. In 2009, he was invested into the Order of Malta, and, later in life, he dedicated himself to their mission of witnessing and protecting the Catholic faith, and serving the poor and sick.
Will met the former Sarabeth Stevens in October 1965, while she was a maternity nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital, caring for Will’s sister-in-law, Alice, and his new nephew, Jimmy Moore. Will and Sarabeth married on June 11, 1966.
He will be truly missed by all of his family, including sixteen nieces and nephews of whom he was very fond, and by many dear friends. Will is remembered by all who loved him for his generosity, competitiveness, deep faith, and one-liners that live on in his children and grandchildren. We hope they have Fox News and the Tennis Channel in Heaven.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2020, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Friday, March 13, 2020, 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E. Campbell Avenue, Phoenix, with interment at St. Francis Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Andre House of Arizona, www.andrehouse.org , 213 S. 11th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85007 or the Dominican Sisters of Mary, www.sistersofmary.org , 4597 Warren Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
Wynn and Marian Paoletti
We are so saddened by the news of Willie’s passing. What fun we had during those long runs on the canal bank. His dry wit will be sorely missed. Our love and condolences to Sarabeth and the entire family. With love, Wynn and Marian Paoletti
traci elizabeth matturro
Sara Beth, Annie, John, and Amy,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am so grateful that I got to know Will throughout the years. He was truly a remarkable man and will be greatly missed. May his memory always bring you warmth and happiness. He is surely one of God’s angels and will be looking over your family until you meet again.
This is a huge loss but may the strength of your family help you through these difficult times.
Love,
Traci
Tanya (Gross) Foote
Sarabeth and Family, Will will truly be missed by so many. Even though I only saw him at our class reunions, I remember his cheerfulness and smiles and genuine interest in the PHS Class of ’61. So sorry for your loss. I hope God heals the void in your lives and hole in your hearts that his passing has creates and replaces the emptiness with only good, warm, special memories of a husband, father and grandfather. Sincerest sympathy.
Alice Distlehorst
Sarabeth, I’m so sorry! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With love, Alice Ann
Ina Claire Sparks
Dear Sarabeth, I’m saddened to learn of Will’s passing, yet encouraged to know that his body is now at rest, and his soul is with our Heavenly Father. My love to you and to your family.
Margaret Walsh
Dear Sarabeth,
Sorry to read about Willy today which brought up so many wonderful memories of our times together with our families. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Winnie Fritz
All of us in your loving AZ Tiger Ladies organization send our love and support to you….reaching out to you from across AZ and from Mizzou.
Kelly Blitz
I am very sorry for your loss
Ronald Zimmerman & Sue Livingston
We extend to you our most heartfelt sorrow and condolences. Thinking of you! Will was always kind to us, and made the BEST Manhattans! Sue Livingston and Ron Zimmerman
Mary Slivinsky
Dear Sarabeth and family. I am so sorry to hear of Will’s passing. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Hope to see you again at another MU nurses alumni luncheon.
Ed Russo
Dear Sara Beth, John, Annie and Amy,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Will’s passing. Though I only met him a few times he made a big impression, and it was plain to see why John was so close to him. No words can ease the loss of a beloved father and husband, but I hope you take comfort in knowing that he went to his rest surrounded by the love of his family. My most sincere condolences to you all.
Steve Pogson
Sarabeth: So sorry to learn of Willie’s passing , however late.