Remembering Jerry Mosey: Teacher, actor, leader, former Citizen of the Year passes

A memorial service for Dr. Gerard J. Mosey will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at Nightengale Funeral Home, 1884 South Park Ave. (near Tifft Street), Buffalo. Mosey passed on Jan. 5.

Mosey was chosen as the Village of Lewiston Citizen of the Year in 2013. His Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce profile read, in part, “As an active member in the Kiwanis Club of Lewiston, Mosey continues to volunteer his time to help in the mission of providing for today's youth. He held the president position within the club from October 2011 through the end of September 2012, and now serves on the board in the title of immediate past president. Countless hours are given by Mosey through this organization to make a difference in the children of the community.

“Involvement in the arts has been a part of Mosey's life for as long as he can remember. Growing up in a musical family led to a natural progression of acting and singing as a trained musician. He is a member of the choir as well as lector and eucharistic minister at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine. The Lewiston Council on the Arts also is an organization Mosey is involved in, serving on the advisory board and as an actor with the Marble Orchard Ghost Walks (as Sherbourne Piper), and the Marble Orchard ‘Spirits of 1812’ (as Sparrow Sage).

“Additional on-stage roles include the character Drake the Butler in ‘Annie’ (with special recognition from the Theater Association of New York State), as well as Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol.’ (This was a bucket list item for Mosey). Both productions were presented by Theatre in the Mist, where Mosey also serves on the board of directors as vice chairman.”

“An educator for more than 50 years, Mosey taught all ages and grade levels. Through his career he taught in Catholic schools around the area, and also attended seminary.”

Mosey also worked as an adjunct professor at Niagara University, where he taught education methodology classes to prospective educators.

Mosey served as a local commissioner for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. He also worked as chairman of the Lewiston Committee of Parks and Recreation. Additional local organizations he was involved with included Rivershore Inc. and the Loyal Order of the Moose.

In 2010, the Lewiston Democratic Committee honored Mosey as its Democrat of the Year at a luncheon. At that time, Chairwoman Diane Roberts Perri said, “Dr. Mosey was chosen by the committee for this honor because of his strong dedication and hard work for the principles of democracy as well as his constant and tireless efforts to make Lewiston the best place to live in Western New York.”

Additionally, Mosey was named a “Senior Star” by Time Warner following public voting.

Lewiston resident and Lewiston Council on the Arts member Tim Henderson said, “As sad as it was to learn of Jerry's passing, it’s also impossible not to smile when remembering him. 

“He was a showman who loved to entertain and create joy. Jerry was in several Marble Orchard plays and, as Judge Sherbourne Piper, one of Niagara County's first judges, he was able to somehow fill the village cemetery with raucous laughter at his portrayal.

“He had a gift for creating smiles and not just while performing. A chance meeting at the store would always lead to laughter or him sharing a funny thing that had recently happened to him. He was somewhat small in stature, but was always bigger than life.

“Deeply religious, he used every drop of talent that God gave him and shared it generously. Just a few years ago, well into his 70s, he appeared in lead roles in ‘Les Misérables,’ ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ and ‘Godspell.’ What a blessing it was to have known this fine man, and we are all left waiting for an encore.

“Bravo Jerry Mosey, and thank you.”

Jerry was the beloved friend of Francis J. Filicetti; son of the late James and Dorothy (Hogenkamp) Mosey; brother of the late James (Mary Kathleen) Mosey; and dearest uncle of Marne (Patrick) Griffin, Jennifer (David) Kossin and Michelle Mosey.

The family will be present from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday for a memorial gathering at the Nightengale Funeral Home. A memorial service will immediately follow at 1 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Buffalo Inc. or Our Lady of Fatima Shrine.

Arrangements are by Castiglia Funeral Home Inc. Condolences can be shared online at www.castigliafuneralhome.com.