Joseph Moriarty

Joseph Michael "Mo" Moriarty Sr., age 77, of Las Vegas, Nevada, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Las Vegas in the early morning of Monday, March 8th, 2021.

Mo was born in Maron, Georgia to Joseph Arthur Moriarty and Mary June Moriarty on January 10th, 1944. He was their first born and grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee, where he graduated from high school. He then went to Virginia Tech for college and graduated in1966 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Mo joined the United States Air Force in 1966 and made the rank of Captain in 1971. He successfully completed several tours in the Vietnam War, serving 3 years, 6 months, and 27 days. He was with the 13th Fighter Squadron with other elite fighter pilots known as "The Panther Pack", flying missions out of Udorn, Thailand. Mo received numerous medals and commendations and flew well over 400 missions in Vietnam. He was an outstanding pilot, and even landed an F-16 without the nose landing gear. He retired from active service in 1978 and married Darlene "Dolly" Moriarty in 1983. Mo continued his service with the U.S. Air Force Reserves while also working as a Mechanical Engineer with TRW in Ogden, Utah. He retired from the reserves in 1994 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Mo finished off his flying career as a Captain with Southwest Airlines from 1987 until his retirement in 2004.

Mo was a great father, husband, and a devout Catholic. He always made people smile and laugh when he was around them. He loved his dogs and tried to help and rescue Golden Retrievers. Mo's greatest love and passion was flying. He will be greatly missed. May he forever fly and soar through the heavens.

He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Moriarty and his mother, June Moriarty.

He is survived by his wife, Dolly Moriarty; three children and their spouses, Jenni Moriarty (Bryan Stamps), Joseph Michael Moriarty, Jr. (Erin Moriarty), Roni Mauro (Phil Mauro); brother, Steve Moriarty; and six grandchildren, Daniel Craig, Lily Huff, Conor Moriarty, Mackenzie Moriarty, Josh Mauro, and Jacob Mauro.

In celebration of his life, a funeral mass and memorial service will be held at a future date in Las Vegas and Boulder City, Nevada. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Holy Family Catholic Church of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Veterans Association.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Holy Family Catholic Church of Las Vegas, or the Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Nevada.