Moran, William J. Sr. 'Bugsy'

William J. Moran Sr. “Bugsy,” 88, was called home to the loving arms of the Lord on Sunday, April 7, 2013, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family. Funeral Mass: 1 p.m. Thursday at St. Pius X Catholic Church by the Rev. Phil Thompson. Private Inurnment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home and after noon Thursday at the church.

Bill is survived by his children, Bill Jr (Marty), Deb (Tim) Shafar and Katie (Steve) Oberbroeckling; grandchildren, Mike and Tim Sauerbry, Rebekah, Hannah and Joshua Shafar, and Michael, Andrew and Levi Oberbroeckling; one great-grandchild, Deryck Sauerbry; sister, Teresa Foran of Bayonne, N.J.; ex-wife Donna Troxel; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Edward Moran and sister-in-law, Mary Moran; sister, Mary Rice and brother-in-law Ralph Rice; brother-in-law, William Foran; and several nieces and a nephew.

Bill was born on May 13, 1924, in Jersey City, N.J., the son of Edward and Josephine Moran. His siblings were Edward, Mary and Teresa. After several years in Jersey City, the family moved to Woodlawn, N.Y. Bill attended St. Barnabus Catholic School and the Mount St. Michael Academy, graduating in 1942. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted into the U.S. Army, serving proudly in World War II in the 168th engineers. Having participated in five conflicts, he was honorably discharged in November 1945. After the war, Bugsy worked on the railroad and then in June 1951 joined the New York City Police Department. In 1959, he met Donna Little and they married in May 1960 and settled in Ossining, N.Y. In 1971, Bill retired from the New York City Police Department as a detective. The family then moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Bill joined the Linn County Sheriff's Office as a deputy in the civil department. In 1993, Bugsy retired from the sheriff's department.

Bill was a 4th degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, member of Linn County Civitan and St. Pius X Catholic Church. His hobbies included woodworking, volunteering for his church and Civitan and spending time with his family.

Bugsy was best known for his quick wit, storytelling (and a little embellishing) and endless generosity. Bill was the world's oldest kid.

The family would like to thank St. Luke's Hospice for the wonderful care he received and a special thanks to Donna for her exceptional care of Bill in his final chapter in life.

Online condolences may be sent to .

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Luke's Hospice, St. Pius X Church or a charity of your choice.

Published in The Gazette April 9, 2013.