John (Jack) P. Moorhouse

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John (Jack) P. Moorhouse 94 of West Swanzey died on April 22, 2010 at Genesis Center of Keene after a brief period of failing health. He has been a resident of Swanzey for 18 years. And formerly of Maryland, Florida and Pennsylvania.

Mr. Moorhouse was born the son of Elizabeth (Pancoaste) and William L. Moorhouse on May 16, 1915 in Ambler, Pennsylvania. He was educated locally in Radnor, PA. And graduated from Radnor High School class of 1933.

Jack took his vows to Miss. Barbara Dutton on June 11, 1938 in Jenkintown, Pa. They were married for almost 50 years before she passed on November23, 1987. Jack was fortunate to find love once again and married Anna Godley in June of 1988. They have been married for 21 years.

Mr. Moorhouse had many occupations over the years. He was gainfully employed by the Standard Pressed Steel Company in Jenkintown, PA for 23 years as the Purchasing Agent. While in this position he became President of the Purchasing Agents Association of Philadelphia. He was the proprietor and operator of the Florida Boat Sales Co. In Glen Burnie MD. From 1975 to 1978 he was the Purchasing Agent and Director of General Supportive Services for the City of Boca, Raton, FL. In 1978 he assumed the role of City Manager until retirement in 1980. On June 30, 1980 it was proclaimed as John P. Moorhouse day for his service to the City of Boca Raton.

Jack was an avid woodworker making small tables and furniture. As a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Keene he would donate woodworking items to the St. James Christmas Bizarre and other charitable fund-raising events. He was a very dynamic person working for the church in many positions. He also took great joy in sailing. He had many boats over the years including a 35 foot Dickerson that he sailed in the oceans off of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. He also had a 22 foot Catalina that he sailed locally on Spofford Lake. As part of his love for sailing he became the Commodore of the Chesapeake Bay Sailing Club and the Spofford Sailing Club, and also the Gibson Island Sailing Club. For many years he owned and operated a small gentlemen’s farm raising turkeys and sheep.

Mr. Moorhouse is survived by his wife Anna Moorhouse of Keene. His children; John P. Moorhouse Jr. And his wife Ginger of Bakersfield, CA. Joan P. Polishan and her husband Gary of West Swanzey, Nancy G. Wilson and her husband John of Lexington, MA., Patty G. Slack and her husband Daniel of Villanova, PA. He also leaves his grandchildren: James Long and his wife Alana, Benjamin Long and his wife Sharon, Mollie Dorsey and her husband Toby, Tracey, Ginny and Peter and his wife Anna Cowenhoven, Seth Wilson and his wife Amy, Benjamin Wilson and his wife Megan, Alexandra Hindle and her husband Richard and Emilie Slack. He will be missed by his great grandchildren; Ryan and Hanna Long, Jack and Esme Dorsey, Ryan Cushing, Jack, Isabelle, Abigail, and Brynn Wilson. many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. He is pre-deceased by his first wife Barbara Moorhouse and his 3 siblings; William and Marshel Moorhouse and sister Elizabeth Packard.

A grave side service will be held on May 15, 2010 at 1p.m in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Keene. There are no calling hours. Donations maybe made in memory of John P, Moorhouse to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation, 8330 Ward Parkway, Ste 510, Kansas City, MO. 64114-2000 or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th. Flr., N.Y. N.Y. 10001.

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