Richard James Moriarty

Richard “Moe” James Moriarty, of Washington, D.C., passed away on July 31, 2026, surrounded by family. He was 80 years old. Moe was born on May 6, 1946, in Hartford, Connecticut, to James and Lois Moriarty. He grew up in Connecticut where he earned Eagle Scout while in high school. Moe graduated from St Michael’s College in Vermont, where he excelled at soccer and violin.

After graduation, he joined the Navy and became a fighter pilot. He met his first wife, Carol Weibust, while stationed at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. They were married in 1972 until her death in 2001. They had three children and moved to various Naval bases before settling in Northern Virginia. Moe retired with the rank of Commander from the Navy in 1989 and moved on to an IT career. He met his second wife, Mary Cole, in Washington, D.C. They married in 2017 and enjoyed their retirement years with travel, jazz, opera, and theater.

Moe will be remembered for his love of malted vanilla ice cream, gardening, home projects, playing Santa, and caring for the family pets. His high school senior yearbook Shakespeare quote proved to be true: “He is as full of valour as of kindness; Princely in both”.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Cole, and by his children, Kristi Moriarty; Jessica Abbott and her husband Rob; and Matthew Moriarty and his wife Lauren; his stepdaughter Angela Cole; his brother Bob and his wife Judy; and his sister Kathleen Monnin and her husband Will. He is survived by grandchildren Makenzie, Samuel, James, Izabella, and Gracen. He was predeceased by his wife Carol; parents, James and Lois, and his brother, Jim.

In lieu of flowers and due to his love of animals, please consider a donation to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo or another animal organization. Services to be held at a future date.