Walter S. Moore, 100, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, coach, and lifelong farmer, passed away on October 17, 2026.

       A native of Cazenovia, New York, Walt lived a long and fulfilling life marked by dedication to his family, service to his country, a passion for athletics, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

       Walter attended SUNY Cortland, where his education was interrupted by World War II. During his military service, he studied Japanese at the University of Pennsylvania and served as an interpreter at Kokura Hospital during the U.S. occupation of Japan.

       Returning to Cortland in 1947, Walter distinguished himself as an exceptional scholar-athlete. He earned varsity letters in four sports, excelling as a quarterback in football, a third baseman in baseball, a javelin thrower in track and field, and a leading scorer in basketball. He graduated from Cortland in 1949 and went on to earn a master's degree in physical education and school administration from Syracuse University in 1950.

       Walter married his college sweetheart, Trudy Bayer, in 1950. Together, they raised six children, beginning their family life in Hamilton, New York, and later settling in Burnt Hills. Their 69 years of marriage were filled with family, sports, and many trips down Route 20.

       Walter began his professional career as a teacher and coach at Hamilton High School, where he shared his love of athletics and education with generations of students. He later dedicated 22 years to Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc., where his leadership and service positively impacted thousands of New York State high school athletes.

       An active member of his community, Walter was a charter member and president of the Hamilton Lions Club, managed the Hamilton semi-professional baseball team, and served as a religious education instructor.

       In 1983, Walter and Trudy returned to Cazenovia, where they worked the family apple orchard and operated a bed and breakfast. They spent their retirement years in Pompey Hollow, enjoying life on the family farm, tending to the orchard, and playing tennis on their family court.

       Walter was predeceased by his beloved wife of 69 years, Trudy, in 2020. He is survived by his six children: Dennis (Jeme) Moore, Lynn (David Freni) Moore, Barclay Moore, Neale (Carri) Moore, Martha (Ed Thomas) Moore, and Steve (Toni-Ann) Moore; his sister, Helen Breitbeck of Oswego; 11 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

       Walt, and Trudy before him, were blessed with the extraordinary care of many loving and compassionate caregivers. Their kindness, dedication, and personal generosity went far beyond anything the family could have imagined. We are forever grateful for the love and care they provided and consider them a cherished part of our extended family.

       Walt's remarkable 100 years were filled with achievement, service, and, above all, family. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the generations of family who will carry forward his memory.

       A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at St. James Church, 6 Green Street in Cazenovia with burial to follow in St. James Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make any donations in Walt’s name to either CAVAC, 106 Nelson St. Cazenovia, NY 13035, the Spina Bifida Association online at https://www.spinabifidaassociation.org or Impact Immigration (founded by Lynn Moore) online at https://IMPACTimmigration.org.

       Condolences for the Moore family may be shared at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.