James P. Moran, 91, of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at the UMass Memorial Medical Center after a year of care at Jewish Healthcare Center.

Jim was born in Worcester, son of Michael and Sarah (McMahon) Moran, and lived in Worcester all his life. He graduated from St. Stephen’s High School and the College of Holy Cross. He received a master’s degree in Education from Worcester State University, and was an educator in the Worcester Public Schools for 37 years, retiring in 1994. During his career, he was the Principal of Norrback, Columbus Park, Vernon Hill and Rice Square elementary schools. Jim was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, serving 16 months overseas in Hawaii.

Jim had an exceptional singing voice and sang in the Glee Club at Holy Cross. He shared his inspiring spirit and gift of song at numerous parties and joyous family events throughout his life. Jim married the love of his life, Mary, in 1962, and they enjoyed dancing and travelling, especially to Ireland and Italy and their beloved Cape Cod. Jim and Mary regularly entertained friends – and New Year’s Eve parties at their house in Chatham were can’t-miss events. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, and together with Mary, they adored their grandchildren, James and Christopher. He was the epitome of a gentleman, telling jokes and stories or talking sports, sharing his keen sense of humor and good-natured personality with all he met.

His treasured wife of 55 years, Mary R. (O’Gorman) Moran, passed away in 2017. He leaves his daughters, Rita and her husband Jeff Greiman, and Mary and her husband Anthony Losapio, two grandsons James and Christopher Greiman, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his three sisters, Sister Mary (Joseph Anne) Moran SSJ, Sister Rita (Anna Patrice) Moran SSJ, and Sister Teresa (Francis Anna) Moran SSJ; and his three brothers, John, Francis and Joseph Moran.

Calling hours are Sunday, April 23, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Monday, April 24, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church, 357 Grafton St., Worcester. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

The family wants to thank the dedicated staff at JHC for their love, care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to St. John’s Food for the Poor, 44 Temple St., Worcester, MA 01604, or the Jewish Healthcare Center, 629 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609.