John Moore

FORMER WICU-TV AD EXECUTIVE AND NOTED TROMBONE BANDLEADER

J. Paul “Paul” Moore

Obituary

J. “Paul” Moore, age 79, of Girard, passed away on June 1, 2015 at Manchester Commons. He was born in Erie on September 20, 1935, the son of the late John C. and Rae O. Moore. He was a graduate of McDowell High School. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the United States Navy Band.

Paul spent over 40 years as an advertising Account Executive in radio and television. He became well-known in the community through his work at WICU-TV during that period of time.

An accomplished musician, Paul began playing the trombone as a teenager, and continued his musical career as a bandleader that featured Paul’s trombone melodies of classic jazz and American pop standards.

The J. Paul Moore Combo featured “that trombone sound” with accompanying keyboard, tenor sax/clarinet and drums, and it became one of the most sought-after dance bands for weddings and private parties in the area during the 1970s and 80s. Paul’s social connections in television advertising and music complemented each other, and he enjoyed friendships with area business leaders who would often book his band for private party events.

Paul enjoyed spending time on his sailboat with family and friends.

Paul was Past President of the Millcreek Kiwanis Club, and he served as a board member for a number of local charitable organizations, including the American Cancer Society and Florence Crittenton Services. He was a proud member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 17.

He was preceded in death by two wives, Marjorie Ann Moore and Kathy Dean Moore, a grandson, Mark Edmund Moore, and a brother, James R. Moore. He is survived by one sister, Patricia Rae Bridger (Donald) of Cambridge Springs, his son, Jay Paul Moore (Kathy) of Richmond, Virginia, grandsons Sean Michael Moore and Scott Andrew Moore, and four nieces and three nephews.

Friends are invited to call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W. 26th Street (at Powell Ave) on Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to attend a prayer service there on Thursday at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Church 1000 West Ridge Road, Fairview, PA 16415 with Fr. Thomas L. Tyler celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to McShin Foundation, 2300 Dumbarton Ave., Richmond, VA 23228 in memory of his grandson, Mark, or to Holy Cross Church. Send condolences at www.burtonfuneralhome.com <http://www.burtonfuneralhome.com>