John Bligh
- Retired teacher
“In all his endeavors, my dad was an educator,” Emily Moroney said of her father, per-diem teacher Edward Moroney. “Be it as a teacher in New York City public schools or from the pulpit as a pastor/missionary or teaching his daughters that education is the most important instrument of hope for ourselves and for others.”
Ed, 72, died of coronavirus on April 19.
He taught English as a Second Language at Norman Thomas HS in Manhattan from 2005-2010. The school closed in 2014. After his retirement in 2011, Ed traveled, then returned to work per diem at PS 452, also in Manhattan, from 2017 until the pandemic forced schools to close.
“Ed was a dependable teacher who made sure all our classrooms ran smoothly in our absence,” said PS 452 Chapter Leader Margaret O’Reilly. “He loved singing to the students when he came into their classrooms and was always a warm and friendly presence.”
Emily Moroney said her father believed that, as an educator, he was called to support his students in and out of the classroom. “He would share stories of attending concerts, science fairs, sporting events and graduations — at times being the only familiar face or advocate who showed up for a student.”
Ed was the first in his family to attend and graduate from college. He earned a bachelor’s degree in religion from Nyack College; a master’s in secondary education/social studies from Columbia University; a master’s in professional ministry from the Alliance Theological Seminary; and two master’s, in sociology and in English as a second language, from the University of Cincinnati. He also earned a diploma in Mandarin Chinese from the Taiwan Language Institute.
“Ed was a wonderful, loving man who will be missed by anyone who came in contact with him,” said his nephew, Kenneth Moroney, also an educator and a former UFT member. “He especially loved his family, the arts and acting.”
Before becoming a teacher, Ed worked for the U.S. Postal Service and as a missionary in Taiwan, where he volunteered to help Chinese scholars with their ESL education. He acted in plays, movies, documentaries and shorts, as well as commercials, all while teaching in public schools.
Ed earned his SAG and Actor’s Equity memberships, and his LinkedIn page sums up his values: “A union guy – SAG/AFTRA, APWU, UFT, AEA.”
His daughter said Ed “never saw anyone as a stranger, and he taught others what true, radical Christian hospitality is, sacrificing for friends and family.”
In addition to his daughter Emily, Ed is survived by another daughter, MaryCatherine; his former wife, Kathleen; his brothers, Thomas, David and Dennis; his sister, Maureen Davis; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and six fur-grandbabies.
Mr. Moroney was a leave replacement for my ELL colleague last year. We worked together for about 6 weeks and he left such a lasting impression on myself and my students. He was such kind and thoughtful gentleman. He regaled me with his endless stories and was such a valuable asset to my classroom. There are very few people I have met in my life of whom I can say that I felt like I have known all my life. I am very sad to learn that he passed.
Eddie was “Agent M”, a dear father figure I never had, mighty with wit, soulfully big hearted, a helpful neighbor, the cookie gobbler, great creative solver, clever prankster and a really superb storyteller! …and a caring authentic true blue friend, how rare. When I was recovering from a deadly accident Eddie checked in on me almost daily, made sure I was following protocol and striving to get me to eat…years later if I pushed healing too fast he’d shoot from the hip sharply. When I was finally able to move, for over a year I had him over every other week for home cooked meals unless he was traveling. We usually had quality homemade bread, which he relished. I’d get a big kick out of his stories, his eyes would light up like a famous actor. Learning something new was every time, yes he was a gifted storyteller, teacher not an instructor. His stories were tiny mirrors ever reflecting the heart, a connective fabric of humanity, of life and our perceptions to it.
He lived his life in dedicated service from A to Z. This is exceptionally noble & utterly unselfish. I got him in the Friedman – BIRC brain clinic, and gratis Em-Reg which helped (our friends noticed) and the Mt. Sinai BIRC doctors were notified to encompass his docs at Mt. Sinai West to get him up-level care, yet pandemonium moved faster during this pandemic.
Above all, he is the most genuinely caring true friend I’ve ever met. A rare gift. I’m utterly blessed and grateful. I respect Eddie’s in peace, he deserves it monumentally… and may his family heal with much due grace. And Damn damn Covid-19. And Thank God for memories.
Ed was so positive and such a calm, warm presence at HSSIS. We were all a bunch of kids trying to figure things out and he was so patient with us and all of our students.
I’m so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. To his family and friends, please know I can still picture his booming voice and welcoming smile, 15 or more years after seeing him last.
Ed Moroney was a classic gentleman. He asked questions and listened. He remembered things like birthdays and the names of family members. He was the type to buy a round not because it was his turn but because he was generous. He spoke will eloquence and conviction. Most of all Ed spoke of his daughters. Never boasting but ever proid. Ed and I kept in touch sporadically since going on to teach at different schools. I admired Ed as a career changer, as an aspiring actor even as the years dragged on. I worked with Ed at the Henry Street School for International Studies. He was loved by the staff for all of the reasons listed by his colleagues above. I will miss him.
Ed and I taught together at HSSIS when he was hired as a Chinese teacher. He was such a friendly, caring man who always had a smile on his face. He was always there to help and he will be missed.
I knew my students had a great day during my absence when they asked upon my return, “where is Mr. M?” I will miss seeing Mr. M playing monsters with the students and running with them in the yard. He knew how to make children laugh! Ed, thank you for all you’ve done for me, my students, and our school.
Ed (and Kathy) financially, prayerfully, faithfully, and socially supported my wife and me while we were missionaries in the Congo for a decade. We shared a wonderful Lord and Savior, sweet fellowship in the same Cincinnati church, meals in their home, endless conversations about missions and ministry, the same university… I am grateful for the unforgettable memories, Ed; I am also confident that I will one day share in the deeper worship you are now having with our God. RSVP.
Ed’s passing is tragic and heartbreaking. I remember just a week or so before NYC schools shuttered Ed was helping out in my classroom and chatting with me about my pregnancy and future. Ed was such a nice man and colleague. He was always warm and had fun with the classes he taught, and he always asked how he can help. Rest in peace, Ed. My sincerest condolences to your countless friends and loving family.
This is so tragic. I remember just a week or so before NYC schools shuttered Ed was helping out in my classroom and chatting with me about my pregnancy and future. Ed was such a nice man and colleague. He was always warm and had fun with the classes he taught, and he always asked how he can help. Rest in peace, Ed. My sincerest condolences to your countless friends and loving family.
“Mr. M” had noticed right away that one of our students, who was new to our country and to our school at the time, was very quiet the first time he covered our class. Mr. M always made an effort to connect with this student at every chance afterward and even played silly games during recess to get a smile, a laugh, or a word from a young child in need of an extra dose of kindness.
It was always to lovely to have Ed in our school. He saw the children in such a beautiful light, and he enjoyed talking with them and listening to them and sharing all they were able to do with me. He was a tremendous teacher and colleague and friend, and I will miss seeing him!
It was always such a lovely part of my day to talk with Ed. He was so interested in what the children had to say and all they were able to do, and his kindness to all was so up lifting. What a wonderful teacher and friend and colleague!
I know that I loved having Ed at our school. He was such a warm and a calming presence and the kids were crazy about him. Many of them enjoyed having “Mr. M.” around because he was friendly, kind, and helpful. He was someone that was always quick to help out in a pinch. He was a wonderful part of our school community and I will miss him dearly.
Mr. Moroney was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. He came to our school very often and would do whatever was asked of him. He was always so happy and truly loved engaging with the students. They were thrilled anytime they saw “Mr. M”. Our staff and students will miss him dearly.
My condolences to his family and his friends.
I have never met Ed, but I wish I had….what an amazing man, living la life of service, dedication and kindness. My connection to him and his family is being a Moroney cousin. May he Rest In Peace and may your memories bring peace to his family. Sincerely, Coleen O’Brien Silvis
I’m not sure I ever met Ed but I wish I had. what a perfect example for my family. It sure shows that blood and roots matter for my family has relied on being honest and dedicated to helping others by seeking education and service by being teachers, doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners. I wish to thank Ed for his life and work it just reflects on the rest of the family.
He will be sorely missed by those he helped in his lifetime.
Ned O’Brien a buffalo Moroney
Mr. Moroney always came to school with a smile on his face and kindness to share with those around him! He tackled the challenge of working across many classrooms and many grades (sometimes all within one day!) with a positive attitude, grace, and joy. My young students always looked forward to seeing him! They especially loved when he joined us in the school yard, as he was never one to sit back and watch them play. He would run around with the children and immerse himself in their games! Mr. Moroney was full of energy! He will be sorely missed by students and faculty alike.
Ed was a fantastic human who always came into our school with a smile on his face. He lit up the room when he walked in and treated every child and staff member with care and compassion.
Mr. Moroney would always show up early in the morning, We would chat and he would share his fun life stories with me. He also shocked me by speaking perfect Mandarin so this became our secret language. I will miss him dearly.
As a new AP at the school where Mr. Moroney was a frequent and reliable substitute, I always appreciated his willingness to do whatever was needed for our school community. I would hand him a schedule, he’d read it and say cheerfully, “OK!” and then make a mini version of the schedule and tape it to the back of his ID holder (how clever and efficient!). Mr. M’s flexibility, kindness and calm demeanor will be greatly missed. He and his family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
What a wonderful example to those around him, family & friends, of a life well lived.
Ed was a special man. We were fortunate to have Ed in our large Irish family!
Beautiful! Will miss you Eddie. What a good soul!