It is with deep regret to report the passing of Joseph Peter Moore, Jr., Beta Pi ’45, at the age of 97.
After graduating from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at Penn, Brother Moore opened an automobile selling agency. This led him to accumulate enough real estate in North Philadelphia to open Moore Motors Inc., an automobile dealership for Volkswagen and Porsche. Moore Motors was considered one of the finest car dealerships in Philadelphia and lasted over 45 years.
Besides his auto dealership, in 1959, he became a co-owner of Elk Mountain, a start-up ski resort in northeastern Pennsylvania. Brother Moore put significant time and effort to ensure the success of this endeavor. He eventually was able to purchase the entire mountain and oversaw the accumulation of over 1600 acres of land neighboring Elk Mountain to be used for future development as he saw the resort increase the number of lifts and ski trails.
Despite the enormous time and energy needed to run his commercial endeavors, Brother Moore was extremely involved with his fraternity as an alumnus. Every brother who lived or used the facilities of the Chapter House at 3916 Spruce Street should give thanks to Joe Moore. In 1969, Penn seized the Chapter House at 3900 Locust Street, by eminent domain, as part of Penn’s plans for the creation of high-rise apartment style dormitory residences with large open spaces for the west side of campus.
Brother Moore spearheaded the negotiations with Penn to acquire a different location for a new Pi Kappa Alpha Chapter House. After negotiations, Brother Moore, together with late brother Joe Livezey, Beta Pi ’56, selected 3916 Spruce Street, a location that needed enormous improvements and renovation. After acquiring the property, Brothers Moore and Livezey reconstructed the building and proceeded with the renovations that had to be made for the building that had been stripped to the bare walls. The entire building was refurbished as a fraternity house and has been the home for generations of PiKAs.
Brother Moore’s invaluable actions ensured the continued presence of Pi Kappa Alpha on Penn’s campus. He is the embodiment of “Once a Pike, always a Pike”.
Brother Moore is survived by his wife of 73 years, Harriet. His son, Joseph Moore III ’71, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a Beta Pi member. His other children who survived him are Anne, Elizabeth, and Timothy. Brother Moore is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Our sincere sympathy is extended to the entire Moore family.
