In Loving Memory of Joseph “Joey” Moran, Jr.

August 24, 1959 – May 7, 2026

Joseph “Joey” Moran, Jr., a proud Marine, exceptional cook, and a man with a big, bright, and outgoing personality, passed away on May 7, 2026, at the age of 66.

Born on August 24, 1959, at Illinois Masonic Hospital to Joseph Moran, Sr. and the late Nedra Moran, Joey was raised in the Washington Heights neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. A lifelong resident of the area, he spent most of his adult life in the south suburb of Homewood.

Despite his city upbringing, he frequently and proudly referred to himself as a true "country boy" at heart. This spirit was nurtured during precious time spent with his maternal grandparents in South Haven, Michigan, and childhood summers in his father’s hometown of Natchitoches (Cane River), Louisiana — a place that also instilled in him a profound, lifelong pride in his Creole heritage.

Joey’s foundational years included four years in the Boy Scouts. He attended St. Margaret of Scotland Elementary School, graduating in 1973, and went on to graduate from Leo High School in 1977. After spending a year studying at Wright Junior College, he enlisted in the military. From 1979 to 1983, he served his country with honor as a United States Marine, and he often spoke fondly of the time he spent stationed in Hawaii. Following his service, he continued to expand his skills, completing the Olympia Fields Hospital Cardiology Program in 1985 to become a cardiologist technician.

Joey’s professional life was diverse and active. From his very first summer job at Tastee-Freez in 1974, he went on to dedicate five years to Quaker Oats, fifteen years to Chicago State University, three years to Prairie State College, and thirteen years to Rich Township.

A man who happily marched to the beat of his own drummer, Joey never knew a stranger. He was joyous, kind, and quick to offer a warm smile or a joke to lighten the mood. Possessing a daredevil spirit and a zest for living, he thoroughly enjoyed driving and the thrill of the open road. He embraced life's many rhythms, whether he was grooving to classic rock and funk music, cheering on a good baseball, football, or basketball game, or spending quiet, peaceful days fishing. Joey had an immense appreciation for the outdoors, holding a special place in his heart for wildlife. Endlessly curious, he was fascinated by history and the world around him, and he never failed to have an interesting factoid ready to share with anyone listening. His generous, helping spirit meant he was constantly looking out for others and ready to lend a hand to anyone in need.

Above all else, Joey was a devoted family man. He poured his heart into creating his own recipes and cooking wonderful meals for his relatives to gather around. Whether he was manning the grill, simmering a rich pot of gumbo, frying up chicken and fish, preparing a savory roast, or laying out a massive breakfast spread of pancakes, sausage, and bacon, his food was a true expression of his care. He treasured his family fiercely and made absolutely certain that his children, Porcshe and Peter, knew just how much they meant to him and how deeply they were loved.

He is survived by his father, Joseph Moran, Sr. of Homewood, IL; his sister, Antoinette (Robert) Davis of Richton Park, IL; his children, daughter Porcshe (Patrick) Murphy of California, MO, and son Peter Moran (Olivia Gonzalez) of Homewood and Chicago, IL; and his grandson, Phoenix Moran. He will also be remembered by his former spouse and longtime friend, Diane Tucker Moran (Porcshe's mother), and Peter's mother, Shawna Hall-Neely.

He now joins his beloved mother, Nedra Moran, and his late spouse, Donna Marie Moran, in eternal rest.

His brilliant smile, his infectious laugh, and the boundless warmth he gave to his family will live on in the hearts of everyone who held him dear.