Thomas Edward Moran, 75, of Denton, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on May 6, 2026.

Born in Jamaica, Queens, New York, Tom was the youngest of five children born to William and Elizabeth Wood Moran. Raised on the South Shore of Long Island, he developed an independent spirit early in life, often sneaking away to fish, trap and camp along nearby lakes and streams. By age 13, he was selling his catches at local port markets and building friendships with baymen and fishmongers who further inspired his lifelong love of the water.

Tom earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the State University of New York College at Brockport. While at Brockport, he played intramural basketball and completed his degree in three years by taking night courses.

After college, Tom returned to Long Island to pursue his true passion: working on the water. He worked as a bayman for many years, harvesting the Great South Bay and Long Island Sound. During that time, he met his wife, Mary, who shared his adventurous spirit and zest for life.

While engaged, the couple moved to Buxton, North Carolina, where they worked in the commercial fishing industry in Cape Hatteras and throughout the Outer Banks.

The region remained special to them throughout their lives and became the backdrop for many family vacations and fishing trips with children, extended family and friends.

Tom and Mary were married in August 1977. In the years that followed, they worked side by side operating a seafood business while building a life centered around family and the water. Tom’s ambition and sense of adventure later led him to become a tugboat captain working in New York Harbor.

During those years, Tom and Mary welcomed their first child, Kelly. Their son, John, followed two years later. After relocating to Maryland to be closer to Mary’s family, they welcomed daughters Jennifer and Elizabeth. The family eventually settled in Caroline County and called Denton home for more than 30 years.

Tom was deeply connected to the community he loved. He was recognized for his contributions to the Denton Lions Club and was an active member of the Choptank River Yacht Club.

An outdoorsman at heart, Tom believed strongly in being a steward of the land. He embraced life fully and found his greatest joy outdoors — fishing, hunting, sitting beside a fire or watching the sunset over an open field with his faithful dog, Polly, by his side. He was a skilled carpenter and craftsman, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and, above all, a man who lived with honesty, loyalty and grit.

Tom is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary; four children, Kelly (Ryan) of Pittsburgh, John (Kristine) of Easton, Jennifer of Easton and Elizabeth (Daniel) of Easton; siblings Mary-Ellen Moran, Catherine Moran (Catherine) and William Moran (Deborah Jean); and grandchildren Alexander, Calista, Marleigh, Ronja, Zoe and Naomi, who will carry forward his stories, spirit and love of life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Betty Ann.

A celebration of life will be held at the family home on June 20.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Denton Lions Club Kerslack Spirit Award via Venmo at @Denton-Lions or by mail to P.O. Box 124, Denton, MD 21629.