Obituaries

David James Moore

Surrounded by his loving family and best friend, David James Moore, 55, of La Porte, Indiana passed away at his home from complications from Stage 4 esophageal cancer on Thursday, December 23, 2021.


Born in Anaheim, California to Mary Lou (Penny) and H. James Moore, Jr.; when he was 5, his parents relocated their young family back to the Kalamazoo, Michigan area, ultimately settling in Vicksburg, Michigan.


While attending college he met his future bride. She told others she was attracted to his big personality, intelligence and sincere kindness. On August 26, 1989, David married Marae (Sadlowski) who survives along with their daughter, Maggie and son, Edward, all of La Porte, Indiana. He is also survived by his parents Mary and Jim Moore of Zephyrhills, Florida and his brother, Brian Moore, of Kalamazoo, Michigan. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his friends and extended family, including several brothers- and sisters-in-law; cousins, and numerous nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews. 

 

He loved the friends of his children as if they were his own. It brought him great joy to hear Edward sitting outside, joking with his friends around a campfire or the laughter and giggles of his "other daughters" coming from Maggie's bedroom. 

 

David received his Bachelors of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Ferris State University (Big Rapids, MI). Eventually transitioning to IT, his last position was as a Programmer/Analyst for Heartland RV in Elkhart, Indiana where he truly enjoyed his co-workers.


 
David was a proud convert to Catholicism almost 20 years ago. As he got older his faith became more and more important to him. He was a longtime member of Holy Family Parish, (Sacred Heart Church) in La Porte where, through their faith and shared hobbies, he struck a very special friendship with Fr. Ian Williams. 

 

Dave volunteered at Sacred Heart in whatever capacity was needed. One could find him on Sunday mornings as an usher one week, a Eucharistic Minister another week and being a leader for the Children's Ministry the next. He might be in the kitchen as a cook or arriving early and/or staying late to clean up for various parish events. As a member of the Diocese of Gary's Lay Ecclesial Ministry (LEM) program, Dave's hope was to become a Deacon and serve the parish in yet another capacity.

 

In recent years, he also joined the Knights of Columbus, Council 1542. He especially enjoyed the friendships he made as well as assisting with the Friday Evening Fish Fry.

 

For many years he served as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 876 at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church in Michigan City. Through Scouting activities, he loved the time he spent and friendships he made with other men, and especially with his son, Edward (and his friends) as he watched them grow and mature into wonderful young men who all earned their Eagle Scout rank.

 

David was very patriotic, with one of his few regrets being that he never served his country in the military.

 

He was also a man of many interests. When something sparked his curiosity he would learn about it in great detail. He enjoyed astronomy with a special interest in astro-photography. Other hobbies he enjoyed over the years included cooking, baking, tie-dyeing, quilting, photography, fish aquariums, golfing, fishing, coin collecting, model rocketry, geology, cycling and micro brewing. David was in the process of completing a garage woodshop with his son so they could build cabinets to remodel the family kitchen. Another love was traveling. He and Fr. Ian went to the Grand Canyon this past Spring and David traveled with his wife to visit friends in Alaska in August.

 

Dave had eclectic musical tastes ranging from hip hop and rap to Contemporary Christian and Gregorian Chant. He loved that his children enjoyed many of those genres and delighted in taking his daughter, Maggie, to a George Clinton concert on his farewell tour. 

 

In January, 2013 David and Marae attended a Retrouvaille (marriage ministry) Weekend. This was a life-changing event, so much so that they decided to become active members in the local community. They served the Retrouvaille of Northwest Indiana community most recently as Community Coordinators and also presented regionally for weekend retreats and follow-up sessions. Dave (and Marae) believe deeply that if there is a true desire for change, and with the help of, and surrender to, God, every marriage can be healed. 

 

David's greatest wish for his life was to "finish well" in the eyes of God. 

 

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 30, 2021, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. A Parish Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 31, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 201 Bach Street, La Porte, Indiana. Reverend Ian Williams will officiate.

 

*****ALL TIMES CENTRAL*****

Luncheon immediately following Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Retrouvaille Ministry of NWI, 9430 W. 135th Place, Cedar Lake, Indiana 46303  or to Holy Family Parish 201 Bach Street La Porte, IN, 46350.

Please share prayers, condolences, and memories with the family at EsslingFuneralHome.com.

 

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