Art Moore Obituary

Moore, Art

Art Moore, a devoted family man and compassionate community advocate, passed away on March 11th, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of generosity and steadfast commitment to making the world a better place.

Art came from a large family of 8 loving brothers and sisters and in his childhood years was a gifted athlete who demonstrated a natural talent for quiet leadership. He married the love of his life, Jo Moore, in 1969 and they had 3 children. His warmth, integrity, and willingness to serve defined his life as a successful husband, father, grandfather, businessman and philanthropic leader. Art built a successful career as a commodities trader and later as a real estate entrepreneur working side by side with his brothers, nephews and other family members.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Art was deeply involved in causes close to his heart for over 40 years focusing on youth, people who are unhoused, and women's equality. Moving from Minneapolis to Chicago in 1981 he immediately began volunteering as a basketball coach in the Pilsen neighborhood followed by working with homeless youth at Neon Street, a program of Heartland Alliance, on Belmont Ave. After joining the board of Heartland Alliance where he served as Chair of the Board, and Heartland Alliance International, he also joined the board of the Illinois Center for Violence Prevention, serving as Board Chair there as well. Whether mentoring young people, coaching his kids' and grandkids' many sports teams, working alongside community leaders to advance social justice, and raising significant funds, Art's efforts have resonated throughout Chicago and beyond. Art was also known for his prowess on the basketball court at the East Bank Club where he could be found playing most weekday afternoons into his 70's. One of the highlights of Art's life was competing against Barack Obama on that court, becoming friends, and serving on Barack's finance committee during his senatorial campaign and supporting his historic run for president.

Art is predeceased by his mother, Maureen, and father, Stan. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jo, their children, Ted (Kelly), Liz (Wendy) and Kate (Mark), his 5 grandchildren, Brennan, Cece, Owen, Jude, Quinn, his siblings, Tom (Kitty), Ann (Leo Crowley), Bill (Jordi), Rob (Patty), Kathy (Jane Simon), John (Lourdes), Mike (Maureen), and a wide circle of family and friends. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, inspiring future generations to lead with empathy, courage, and generosity. He will be deeply missed by all those who admired his sweet, thoughtful nature and unwavering dedication to others.

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