Francis T. Moriarty Jr. 1941-2025

Tim was born Aug. 22, 1941, in Sharon, Pa., the son of Francis Timothy Sr. and Florence Bowman Moriarty. He grew up an active member of his Catholic parish, serving as an acolyte throughout his teenage years.

After high school, Tim joined his father working in a local steel mill, often chauffeuring his father on business trips across the northeast U.S. He also served in the United States Army and National Guard, being honorably discharged from both.

Tim married Kathleen “Kathy” Quinn of Hubbard on Feb. 5, 1966. They went on to share 59 years together, raising three children. As their children grew and they had more time, they began to indulge in road trips. These started with weekend getaways to Niagara Falls and festivals around Ohio. With their daughters moving out of state, Tim and Kathy were able to see more of the U.S. as they drove to California and Washington State. They greatly enjoyed taking day trips to landmark locations while visiting family and sharing stories and souvenirs.

Outside of his marriage and children, Tim would probably say his greatest achievement was becoming a funeral director, a lifelong ambition that he didn’t pursue until his 40s. He worked steadily within the industry to learn the ins and outs of how everything worked, progressing in responsibility to manage the funeral services arm, first of Gold Cross / Davidson-Becker, and later, American Ambulance.

Despite building a strong reputation with local funeral homes and passing the necessary exams to become a licensed director, his lack of a college degree stood in his way until he began working for Egan-Ryan Funeral Home in Columbus in his early 50s. Seeing his skill and determination, Bob and Andy Ryan successfully petitioned for Tim to receive his license by completing an apprenticeship with them, for which he was greatly appreciative.

Tim received his funeral director’s license in 1999 and spent the next 22 years serving funeral homes as a well-regarded funeral director until his retirement in 2021.

Outside of work, Tim was an active member of any church or parish he belonged to. Building on his service as an acolyte, Tim gave his time to various leadership and service positions in several congregations that he was a part of. He volunteered at church and community soup kitchens and hospitality events, and participated in short-term mercy ministry trips to communities in need.

Tim raised his children to understand that being part of a Christian faith community was important, but the practice of this faith can be achieved in multiple ways and he held respect for others faiths as well.

He leaves behind his wife, Kathy; three children, Kelly (Jim) Petrella of Sun City, Arizona, Christopher (Michelle) Moriarty of Howland and Megan (Tom Jun) Moriarty of Irvine, California; and three grandchildren, James (Brooke) Petrella, Michael Moriarty and Max Moriarty.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister and brother-in-law, Margaret “Peggy” and John Lehet.

A funeral service will be noon Monday, March 31, 2025, at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home in Niles where family and friends may call one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Chad Johnson of St. Jude Church, Columbiana, will officiate.

Visit holetonyuhasz.com to view this tribute and share condolences with the family.

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