Obituary: Wardell Moody, 89, of Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, CT - (From Doolittle Funeral Home) Wardell Moody, 89 of Middletown departed this life peacefully surrounded by his family at home the morning of Friday, January 15, 2021. He was born in Middletown to the proud, late James E. Moody Sr. and Pocahontas (Hicks) Moody.

He graduated from Middletown High School in 1949 and enlisted in the US Air Force and the US Marine Corp. He served during the Korean War and received an honorable discharge in 1962. During his time serving in Japan, he married the Love of his life.

When Wardell returned to CT, he worked at Standard Knapp until he retired. He was an active member of Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church where he loved singing with the Men’s Choir and had a passion for playing the keyboard.

He was very athletic, playing basketball, and running track, and he was one of the best fast pitchers in New England for The Social Ghents with whom he travelled all over CT to play. He also was a member of the American Legion Post 206 in Middletown.

Wardell had a great sense of humor and was loved by everyone he came in contact with. He had love for his Westerns, NY Yankees and UCONN basketball. He was an avid reader, loved to read the Middletown Press at the St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen and liked to share laughs with his friends of all ages in the North end of Middletown.

Wardell leaves to cherish his memory; his loving and devoted wife, Ryoko Moody of 62 years and a daughter, Alicia Moody-Brown (Bashaun) of Middletown, a son Reginald Moody of Fort Pierce, FL, 8 Grandchildren of Middletown: QuaTema Fountain (Cephas), Dennie Cherry, Sabrina McDaniel, ShaRhonda Cherry, Ashley Peterson, Marques Moody, Nisheena Bell (Jerry), and Brandon Peterson, 10 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grand.

Beside his parents, he was predeceased by all his siblings: Charles, James Jr., Amos, Robert, Bernard, and Daisy Moody: and a daughter, Shirley Ann Moody.

Family and friends may call on Friday evening, January 22 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown where masks and social distancing are required.

A graveside service will be held Saturday morning at 10:00 am in the State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown where full military honors will be accorded. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.