Frank Moran–5/2/2024

Frank Moran (88), beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully in his home in Devon PA, on May 2nd 2024, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Philadelphia to Frances and John Moran, immigrants from County Mayo in Ireland. A U.S. Army veteran, Frank graduated from LaSalle University, then studied law at the University of Pennsylvania. Starting out as a public defender, Frank soon opened his own thriving private practice, with a focus on medical malpractice and civil cases, which he ran until his retirement. Other roles included the Chief Trial Lawyer for the City of Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and General Counsel of the USA Credit Union. He championed his clients’ causes with consummate skill, grace and tenacity.

His pride in his Irish heritage led him to take on leadership roles at the Brehon Law Society, as well as the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick. An ardent student of history, Frank felt compelled to share with the world the tribulations and ultimate triumph of the Irish people. He advocated for the creation of the Irish Famine Memorial, and as a founding member board member, he worked tirelessly to raise funds on its behalf. This life-size monument commemorating the 1845-1850 famine was open to the public in 2003, in Philadelphia.

Frank had a first-class mind with an amiable personality. He was a lover of history, a voracious reader, a connoisseur of the arts, and an avid music lover. He had a keen sense of adventure, and with his wife Pat traveled throughout the US, Central and South America, the Middle East, and Europe, with many repeat trips to his favorites of Ireland, France and Italy. One of his fondest trips was the opportunity to have a private meeting with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican while participating in a commission to raise funds to restore and rebuild Catholic churches in Poland.

Frank was full of life and had natural charisma and sense of humor that attracted many friends into his orbit. Over the years he hosted many parties in his homes in Pennsylvania and Sea Isle City, New Jersey, and was just as eager to meet at his favorite pubs to lead rounds of storytelling. His wry wit and sense of humor made any conversation a memorable experience. He was loved dearly by all who knew him, was kind to those in need of help, and a regular donor to Catholic charities. He took special pride in his daughters, and relished his role as doting grandfather. He appreciated beauty in the world and the simple pleasures in life, and contributed to those through his talents for gardening and cooking including his famous “bordelaise” sauce. As a devout Catholic Frank held a deep faith, and woke up every day grateful for the life he lived.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; his five daughters (Treasa Gallo, Eilise Rouse, Kate Mariniello, Nora Moran, Siobhan Zavodnyik); his 10 grandchildren (John, Patrick, Frankie, and Mary Rouse; Janie, Andrew, Henry, and Jack Mariniello; and Helen and Frank Zavodnyik); his sister, Kathleen Wilchaky, his sister-in-law, Marilyn Moran and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, John and Frances, and his brother John.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Friday, May 10th at 9:30am St. Monica’s Church (635 First Avenue in Berwyn, PA), followed by a Eulogy and Funeral Mass, beginning at 10:20am. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Donations in Frank’s memory can be made to the irishmemorial.org.