F.E. Moran Founder Dies

Owen “Casey” Moran was shaped by his service as a naval aviator during World War II. In 1943, at the age of 17, he was accepted as a cadet before earning his wings two years later. He was anointed “Casey the Barber” after cutting some of the enlisted men’s hair. He was discharged from active duty in 1946 with the rank of Lieutenant.

A 1948 graduate of Northwestern University, Mr. Moran established F.E. Moran with his father, Frank Edward, in 1957. The company evolved into one of the few total mechanical contractors in the region, employing four different union trades including pipefitters, sheet metal workers, plumbers, and sprinkler fitters. By the time the charismatic Mr. Moran retired 44 years later, F.E. Moran had expanded into 12 offices in six states employing over 800 people.

From modest beginnings as a heating and piping contractor, Mr. Moran saw the new technology of air conditioning as an emerging market for duct work fabrication and installation in the mid 1960’s. He built a state-of-the-art sheet metal shop in 1969 and then convinced the local business agents of the plumbing and sprinkler fitter trade unions to allow the company to become signatory to them.

Notable new mechanical projects that F.E. Moran undertook during his leadership were New Trier West High School, Three First National Plaza, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago Title & Trust, and NBC Tower.
His positive outlook, youthful energy and ever-present enthusiasm led him to enter the travel business, the lodging and bar/restaurant industries, and numerous developments including the Bahamas, Benton Harbor, MI, and South Haven, MI.

“My father touched a remarkable number of people in his business and personal life because of his warmth, generosity and great sense of humor. He lived a life of achievement, integrity and without regret,” said his son,
Brian Moran.

Mr. Moran, 89, died on March 4, 2015 at his Winnetka home from cancer.
The son of a piping contractor, Mr. Moran was raised with his sister and two brothers in Berwyn, IL. He graduated from Morton High School and was a Sigma Alpha Epsilon member at Northwestern.

He began his working career at the age of 11 as a bowling pin spotter. Subsequently, he worked at Berwyn Lumber, Frejach’s Ice Cream Parlor, Berwyn Lumber Yard, Silver Cup Bakery, Danly Machine Tool Works, United Air Lines, and Sangamon County Ordinance Plant, all before enrolling in college.

He became president of a swimming pool contractor, Care Free Pools, before working as a heating and piping estimator at P. Nacey Co.

During his career he was president of the Western Trade Association, an active member of the Mechanical Contractors Chicago Association, Life Member of American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and director of the Charter Bank Group.

Outside of F.E. Moran, Mr. Moran was the managing partner of the Emerald Bay Resort development, Great Exuma, Bahamas and president of the Moran Opportunity Fund.

As a dedicated Christian he was Charter Founder of the Christian Laymen of Chicago, Trustee of the Chicago Theological Seminary, on the Board of Governors of Opportunity International, and a Deacon at Northfield Community Church.

Mr. Moran met his wife of 56 years, Jean Becker, on a train headed for Sun Valley, Idaho. She was the love of his life. They traveled the world together with many of their life-long friends.

In retirement, he remained an avid skier, golfer, tennis player, and dance lover. But his focus stayed on his family where he spent considerable time with his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and son, Brian (Kristine), he is survived by his two daughters, Linda (Charlie) Graves, and Janet (Eric) Beatty, son Jeff (Dion) Moran, his sister, Jane Gruys, and 8 grandchildren.

A CELEBRATION OF HIS LIFE WILL BE HELD

Tuesday March 10, 2015, 4:00 PM at Northfield Community Church, 400 Wagner Road at Willow Road, Northfield, Illinois 60093
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BURIAL PRIVATE

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IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, MEMORIALS TO

Northfield Community Church,Owen Moran Memorial Fund, 400 Wagner Road, Northfield, IL 60093
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