Rochester, NY and former long-time resident of Schenectady and Albany, NY died at Strong Memorial Hospital, surrounded by family on December 5, 2016. He was 65 years old.
William is survived by his children, Chandler Moran (Scott Hill) of Rochester, NY and Malcolm M. Moran of Schenectady, NY; brothers John (Gail) E. Moran Jr. of Newburgh IN, Robert (Jane) A. Moran of Schenectady, NY, and sister Julie Moran of Utica, NY, 4 nephews, a niece and several cousins, Uncles John (Charlotte) Pyles and Rodney (Carol) Pyles all of Morgantown, WV. He is preceded in death by his parents, John E. and Pauline Pyles Moran, Sr. of Schenectady, NY.
William was born on July 28, 1951 in Ashland, KY and moved to Schenectady at the age of 3. He was a graduate of Mohonasen High School and earned a B.A. from SUNY Albany in 1983. While serving in the US Army, he was stationed in Germany in the ‘70’s where he began learning the language and enjoying the culture. He sang for several years with a small oompah band in the capital district.
William was a dedicated volunteer and chorister at several Episcopal Churches throughout his life. He was a longtime parishioner and tenor at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Albany, NY. He was very proud of his son who is continuing this tradition of choral singing at St. Peter’s. Upon moving to Rochester this past summer, William was welcomed into St. Paul’s Episcopal Church choir and was volunteering at the Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (RAIHN). William always believed strongly in helping others through Christian outreach, and spent many years volunteering at soup kitchens. He loved to cook for others, and his daughter, Chandler, inherited this trait, learning kitchen basics as soon as she could manage standing on a chair to reach the counter. One of her fondest memories will be of cooking this past thanksgiving dinner together.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., December 18, 2016, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 25 Westminster Rd., Rochester, NY 14607 with a reception to follow in the Church hall. An additional memorial service will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Albany, NY, at the family’s convenience. No visitation or graveside services.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to RAIHN (34 Meigs St., Rochester, NY 14607), St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (25 Westminster Rd., Rochester, NY 14607) or St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (107 State St., Albany, NY 12207)
I would like to send my sincerest condolences for your loss. I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
My sincere condolences to Chandler, Malcolm, and the Moran family on William’s passing. I knew him in high school and most recently, enjoyed his online newsletters for the BBGS.
William and I had a long term relationship that began 8 years ago in Rotterdam, NY.
Over the years we both worked hard to see the Biblical Botanical Garden Society grow. He was a gifted writer and represented the society with distinction. William and I sharpened one another like iron shaping iron, with occasional sparks but always with love.
I will miss him a great deal. But if you listen carefully you will hear his rich tones of sacred music echoing from the choir of the redeemed.
Rest my dear friend and trust to join you in God’s appointed time.
Dr Ed Bez, President, BBGS, Oxford, Georgia