Kerry Moran, Northville civic leader, dies at 68

Kerry Moran of Riverhead died Sept. 14 from injuries sustained in July 2010, when he was struck by a car near his Northville home. He was 68.

Born March 24, 1943, in Quincy, Mass., he grew up in Queens and graduated from Bishop Loughlin High School and St. John’s University, where he met his wife, Bernadette, whom he married in 1968.

Mr. Moran began his career in the Bronx as an English teacher and track coach. After coming to Long Island, he taught English and coached for many years at Walt Whitman High School and St. Anthony’s in Huntington. St. Anthony’s athletic director Don Buckley said he hired him because they were friends and the school needed a cross country coach. Mr. Moran coached the St. Anthony girls cross country team for 15 seasons, until he retired in 2004.

Mr. Buckley described Mr. Moran as “a wonderful man, an incredible motivator who had a place in his heart for every kid,” and said he’d been very proud of having 100 girls on the team.

Mr. Moran’s son Matthew, a 1993 St. Anthony’s graduate, followed in his father’s footsteps, coaching cross country at the school from 1998-2000. Both were named New York State Catholic High School Cross Country Coaches of the Year in 1999.

According to family members, Mr. Moran was a true gentleman and a wonderful husband, family man, teacher and coach. They said he had a dedication, devotion and love for his team members, whom he inspired to do their very best.

Mr. Moran moved to Northville Beach in 2005 and shifted his focus to his community and the environment. As president of the Northville Beach Civic Association, he worked to address flooding issues near the North Fork Preserve. He was also concerned about possible water contamination in the area and other local environmental issues, including flooding, road damage, noxious odors and brown staining on the Sound beach, family members said, adding that he lobbied town, county and state officials for years to work together to find a solution to this complex issue.

Mr. Moran is survived by his wife; three children, Kieran, Matthew and Brigid; his sister, Kathleen Brown; and five grandchildren.

Visiting hours were held Sept. 17 and 18 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. The Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated Sept. 19 at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, and interment was at St. Isidore Cemetery, both in Riverhead.

Donations may be made to the KJM Foundation.