Joseph D. Moran, age 86, of South Branch, MI passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at his home. He was born in Newark, OH on January 20, 1937 to the late Chester and Opal Moran. Joe served in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge, he worked for more than 30 years for General Motors, retiring from GM Parts Division, Swartz Creek, MI in 1984.
He and his wife Sharon then moved to South Branch permanently except for wintering in Florida. Joe loved to be outdoors where he enjoyed fishing, hunting and riding motorcycles, snowmobiles and dune buggies. For more than 40 years, he created many beautiful woodcarvings earning him the nickname Chipper Joe. He also was known as Pontoon Joe for all the launching, pulling and transporting pontoons and other boats for several people on the many lakes around the Hale area.
Joe is survived by his son Bruce (Linda) Moran of Shelby Township, MI; his two granddaughters, Samantha (Aaron) Hoover of Hilliard, OH, Alexandria (Adam) Phillips of Galloway, OH; and his three great granddaughters, Haylie, Rowan and Avery. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Sharon in 2017 and his three brothers, Eddie, Stanley and Paul.
A memorial luncheon will be held in the spring. You may offer condolences at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.
