Thomas Patrick Moroney passed away unexpectedly on Thursday Dec. 19, 2024 after a brief illness. Son of Joseph and Estelle Moroney, Tom was born in Ashland on October 17, 1958 and lived here all his life.
He graduated from Ashland High School in 1977 and joined the U.S. Army. After completing basic training, Tom trained as a military police officer and served in the 57th Military Police Company at West Point. He was relieved of active duty in 1980 before spending three years in the reserves.
Upon returning to Ashland, Tom completed training as a corrections officer with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, where he went on to a distinguished 30-year career. Tom began as a tower guard at the old Ohio State Reformatory, before assisting with the prison’s closing and the opening of Mansfield Correctional Institution. Well-liked and well-respected, Tom was promoted to Captain and ultimately became a leader on the statewide prison SWAT/STARS team, where he was deployed to a number of high-profile incidents, including the riots at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville. He held a number of statewide positions for DRC, including working as an instructor at the training academy, before his retirement. Perhaps his friends and coworkers said it best after his sudden passing: “Great friend. “Great to work with and great at his job.” “Such a good man.” “A great person.” “An excellent Captain.” “He most definitely had my respect, as well as many others.” “I thought the world of Tom, we spent many years (working) together.” “A good man, person and leader.” “A wonderful coworker and just a stand up guy who everyone respected.” “He was a great man and thankful for the time I worked with him.” “When I started at ManCI, he was one of the best.”
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Diane Moroney Cornett.
He is survived by his three children, Christopher, Tori and Brian; grandchildren Darrius King, Annabelle King, and Ezra Moroney; brothers Don (Paulette) Moroney of Lucas and Paul (Judy) Moroney of Mansfield, and sister Ann (Bob) Gaubatz of Fairport Harbor.
A memorial service will be held Friday January 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society, 9 Chambers Rd. Mansfield, Ohio 44906, where Pastor Tony Pingitore will officiate. Family and friends may call from 1:00-2:00PM.
Funeral Home: Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society
Website: www.ohiocreamtion.org