Richard Patrick Moran, 89, of Taylorville, IL, passed away at 5:25 a.m. on Saturday,
October 3, 2020 at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Richard, known to many as “Red”, was born April 11, 1931 in Decatur, the son of Richard Bernard and Alta (Drone) Moran. He married Dina Pelati on February 4, 1951 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville, and they enjoyed over 65 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on September 7, 2016.
Richard graduated from Taylorville High School in 1945, where he was a talented running back. He went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Air Force, serving two tours of duty in the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked as a union laborer for 20 years. Richard was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, as well as a lifetime member of both the American Legion Post #73 and V.F.W. Post #4495, where he served on the honor guard for 25 years. He was a true patriot, and was proud of his service to his country. Richard was a Taylorville sports fanatic, rarely missing a game on the radio, and he was an avid pool player. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, and he always enjoyed an iced cold beer.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Christopher P. Venters; great grandson, Samuel Egizii; daughter-in-law, Michelle (Ward) Moran; sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Schultte Bishop, Jr.; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dante and Barb (Noren) Pelati.
Richard is survived by his daughters, Kathy (husband, David) Coplea of Springfield, and Janine (Dennis Miller) Fabian of Taylorville; sons, Steve (wife, Renee) Moran of Taylorville, Mark (wife, Lisa) Moran of West Chester, OH, Bill Moran of Taylorville, and Dave (wife, Marcie) Moran of Springfield; 13 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Barney.
Visitation & Funeral Mass: The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 108 W. Adams St., Taylorville, IL 62568. A private family funeral mass will follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Msgr. David S. Lantz, celebrant. In keeping with CDC guidelines, social distancing will be required, and the wearing of face masks is recommended.
Interment with military honors will follow mass at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.
Memorial contributions may be made to: American Legion Post #73, 110 W. Franklin Street, Taylorville, IL 62568 or Christian County Burial Detail c/o V.F.W. Post #4495, 515 N. West Street, Taylorville, IL 62568.
The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin St., Taylorville, IL 62568 with ceremonies.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.
