Joseph Patrick Moroski

Joseph (Joe, Pat, Joe Joe, Coach Mo, Papa) Patrick Moroski, 76, of Colorado Springs, passed away on April 23, 2021. He was born in Pontiac, Michigan on July 15, 1944 to Joseph Stephen and Maryellen Moroski. Joseph graduated from St. Mary’s High School and received a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. He was married to Susan Moroski on July 19, 1968.

Joe had a career in teaching, coaching, and the green industry. He taught at Bishop Foley Catholic School and St. Mary’s High School in Royal Oak, Michigan as well as St. Mary’s High School in Colorado Springs. After his teaching career, Joe worked in the green industry with Lawn Doctor in Colorado Springs and eventually became a substitute teacher in District 11. He was a member of CALCAP and had a passion for his family, basketball, and his faith. He took pleasure in volunteering at his grandson’s schools as well as promoting the YMCA and youth basketball. Anyone that knew Joe would agree that he was the best “Papa”, Dad, mentor, (life) coach, volunteer, and friend. He was selfless, humble, took joy in serving others and always led by example. He loved with a HUGE heart and without judgement. Joe did so much good on this earth and touched SO MANY lives throughout his life. He has left a huge hole in the hearts of those that knew him, but none of us would exchange our pain for a life without him in it.

One of his past basketball players, Sandi, wrote the following which encapsulates what many of us learned from this amazing man:

I learned so much more about life and how to treat people, even those that are your competitors.

I learned that winning is so much more than taking home a trophy.

I learned that you can be serious and competitive, but to laugh and enjoy the ride along the way.

I learned that family can be more than a blood relative, it’s a sisterhood and team, a coach and his family, a school.

I learned that coaches and mentors can become lifelong friends.

I learned that laughter and reminiscing is the best medicine.

I learned that “happiness isn’t at the end of the road, it’s all along the way”.

Coach Mo, I was blessed to know you and to have remained close all these years. Thank You Coach Mo! You will be missed but will always be a part of all of us who knew you and loved you!

Joe was survived by his wife Susan, his son Eric (Jenn), his daughter Kym (Brad) Reis, his grandson Dylan, siblings Vicky, Terry (Janet) Barry, Michael, Bill (Jean), and Jenny. Joe was predeceased by his father Joseph, his mother Maryellen, stepmother Eileen, and sister Maryanne (widowed spouse Bob and wife Gerry) Manturuk. He is also leaving behind a host of wonderful in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral arrangements will be held at 10am, May 20th, 2021, at St. Gabriel Church (8755 Scarborough Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80920) with a reception to follow at the same location. The burial will be at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Cripple Creek. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region (316 N Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903) or the Metro Detroit Youth Club (1545 E Lincoln, Royal Oak, Michigan 48067).