WESTFIELD – John M. Moran, 77, (1947-2025) passed away on Monday, March 3rd, 2025, at Baystate Medical Center. He was born in Westfield, MA to the late John J. and Norma (Melanson) Moran. He was a graduate of Westfield High School and received his Bachelor and Master degrees from Westfield State College. He was employed by the Westfield School system for 33 years as a World Geography and American History teacher at the Junior High/Middle School.
John was an avid hunter, fisherman, and historian. He belonged to the Lake George Sportsman’s Club, Sons of the American Legion, and the Sons of Erin. As a proud lifelong resident, he loved Westfield, especially growing up in the Prospect Hill area. He had an incredible memory of local and American history, especially the Civil War period. He knew his trivia and was a regular TV viewing contestant on Jeopardy. John loved listening and dancing to Motown and “oldies” music. He was a “card shark” in the Legion’s pitch league and in Friday night poker games with friends. In his later years, he took great joy in spending time with his grandchildren and attending their sporting events.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Rosemary (Yankowski) Moran, his loving children, John J. Moran and his wife Christine of Westfield, and Catherine Paul and her husband Jonathan of Westfield, his cherished grandchildren, Timothy and Abigail Moran, and Jonathan and Michael Paul. In addition, John leaves his cousins, nieces, nephews, and many life-long friends.
He was predeceased by his sister Patricia (Moran) Brown.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 11th from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at the Firtion Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, in Westfield, MA. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 12th at 9:00 a.m. at Firtion Adams, with Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, 127 Holyoke Road, Westfield, followed by burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 203 Southampton Road in Westfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in John’s memory to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. www.firtionadams.com
