Joseph Moore, a lifelong resident of the Bronx, died on September 6, 2026. He was 60.
When Joey (as he was called by his family) was born, he was by all visible signs a normal baby. As his only sister, I worked with my Mom caring for Joey, changing diapers since I was eleven. As a family, we all learned so much from our new brother and how he saw life. Sixty years ago in the Bronx, there was barely a label for his condition or resources for parents. No schools had educators to handle him or know of his needs as autistic child. My parents were determined to make sure he got an education. They believed all children deserve schooling, even Joey. After many disappointments from schools in Manhattan, they came across Dr. Gootzeit, founder of The Institutes of Applied Human Dynamics (IAHD), whose organization was right here in the Bronx. Joey blossomed and learned! He was always smiling, rocking, and loving his music. He could hear a song once and remember all the lyrics. Even though Joey was not able to carry on a full conversation, he communicated what songs he wanted to hear. His favorite one was “Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie” by Don McLean. As Joey grew into a teenager, it was time to find a place that could better handle his outbursts. For the last 25 years, he lived in a great group home close to his family in the Bronx. He stayed a part of IAHD with their workshops and routines that kept him enjoying life. Joey loved his family, but truly adored my Mom and Dad. I know they are all together now, smiling with God’s love.
Mr. Moore was born on March 21, 1966 in the Bronx to the late Norman and Doris (Farago) Moore. He is survived by his brothers, Anthony Ferrara and Bruce Moore; and his sister, Bernadette Ferrara.
Visiting will be Thursday, September 10 from 3-7pm at John Dormi & Sons Funeral Home, 1121 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, September 11 at 10am at St. Dominic’s Church, 1739 Unionport Road, Bronx. Interment will follow at St. Raymond’s Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Avenue, Bronx.
