Van Art “Rooster” Moore

November 21, 1956 - December 7, 2025

In Loving Memory of
Van Art (Rooster) Moore
Age 69
Passed Away December 7, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Van Art “Rooster” Moore, who passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 69 years old.

Van attended Bohemia Manor High School. He discovered his lifelong passion for horses early on, beginning his career as an exercise rider at Windfield and Woodstock Farms in Chesapeake City, MD. His love for horses remained a defining part of his life, and he spent many dedicated years working in the equine world. Van’s work ethic was exceptional. He devoted 31 years to Cecil County Public Schools, where he worked as a painter and “pony driver.” After retiring from the school system, he returned to his passion, working with horses, at Winbak Farms until illness forced him to step away.

Known for his unwavering dedication and commitment to hard work, while often juggling multiple jobs he always made time to help family and friends. Above all, his happiest and most significant life purpose was being a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Diane, with whom he shared 46 wonderful years of marriage.

Rooster had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, finding joy in hunting, fishing, and spending time with his cherished muscle cars—especially his Dodge Challengers. He enjoyed attending Classic Car Shows in Wildwood, NJ, and was grateful to attend his last show this past September.

Van is survived by his wife, Diane (Reiger) Moore; his extended family and dear friends, including Mike and Connie Davis, Ed and Beth Cronin, Richard and Barbara Groves, Mark and Shelley Francello, Ron and Pam Clark, Nancy Jannuzio, John Kenney, Cedric and Nicole Strother, Rich Woolehan and a large, loving network of friends, neighbors, and family members too numerous to mention. As one of 13 siblings, he leaves behind countless members of the Moore family including his brother Bart, as well as his sister-in-law Pamela Reiger and brothers-in-law Robert Reiger and Brian McCloskey. Van is also survived by his “feline daughters,” Ginger and Lila. He was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Alice (Jones) Moore; several siblings; and his best friend and hunting buddy, Kenny Haggerty.

A special thanks to Scott Collins and Dr. Robert Monteleone for their compassion and care.

Van will be remembered as a hardworking man, a loyal friend, and an extremely devoted husband. His legacy of kindness, integrity, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A private service and interment will be held to honor his life.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
– Revelation 21:4

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Hannah

Diane

MaryAnne Neal and Tyrone Neal

Marie Holmes

Family Healthcare of Elkton

Pam and Brian

Robert Reiger

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In Loving Memory of Van Art (Rooster) Moore Age 69 Passed Away December 7, 2025 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Van Art “Rooster” Moore, who passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 69 years old. Van attended Bohemia ManorContinue Reading

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Thinking of you today Van. I will be forever grateful to you for all of your advice and friendship. I hope you know how much you’re missed.

In memory of Van Art “Rooster” Moore, Diane lit a candle

Merry Christmas my love. My heart is broken, but I am taking comfort you are in no more pain. I miss and love you more than you can imagine. Until we meet again, know that you are forever loved, forever missed, and forever a part of me.

I am so very sorry to see this. Diane, you have my heartfelt condolences and thoughts and prayers. I loved Van and looked forward to seeing him everyday delivering the school mail. I'm so sad about this. Pat

Diane, we’re so sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and your family. Praying and thinking of you during this difficult time.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Diane, we are so sorry to hear of Van’s passing. You and Van were the first neighbors we met in our new neighborhood 3 years ago. From the day we moved in, Van was there to offer his expert opinion on getting settled. His best suggestion was for us not to waste time taking boxes to the recycling center, but to use the dumpster across the street. Van was so smart and helpful in many ways. We will miss seeing you two walking the neighborhood with Van in his hoodie, and him feeding the deer in our backyard. He would even blow the leaves off our patio after the lawn crew left. And there was the time he was upset with Nicole for walking to the doctor’s office and not asking him for a ride. Although he seemed to be a quiet soul, we truly enjoyed his company in the brief time we knew him. With many Blessings from those he touched, may Van Rest In Peace and continue to watch over you. Diane, always know we are here if you need anything.

Diane,Van was an easy going person to with that I've ever worked with. Van and I worked at Woodstock and the last 21/2 years at Winbak. He was a kind,hardworking co worker always a smile on his face. In the last 21/2 years Van and I have alot of memories that I will cherish forever. Van kindness and love was shown everytime he answered the phone for Paisley. Her memories of talking to her Vinny and Bun Bun(Diane)are unforgettable. For this we will always be grateful and Vinny will hold a special place in Paisley heart.

Sorry for your loss. Van was a friendly and kind person; our office will truly miss him.

In memory of Van Art “Rooster” Moore, Pam and Brian lit a candle

"Our hearts are deeply saddened by the loss of our fun-loving brother-in-law, Van. We will forever treasure the special memories—from Diane’s first date with Van at the Bastille on $5 beer night, to our trips to Wildwood for bike and car weekends, Friday night chicken dinners at the American Legion, and those warm summer Saturday evenings spent together in, Diane and Van’s garage—enjoying steamed crabs that, Van caught earlier in the day while dancing and listening to 70’s music on Diane’s beloved Patrolman radio. His laughter, warmth, and love for life will remain in our hearts and with us always." We will miss you deeply, Van.

Diane, I want to thank you for sharing Van. He helped my paint my house not once but twice. He was a quiet, kind, generous man that I thought of as a big brother. I will cherish our time in Wildwood N.J. and the ride in his muscle car through town. I will miss him forever.

Van was my uncle I never got to see him much we crossed paths early this spring I was doing a job at winback and he come up to me we talked for over a hour about old times and I cherished every moment of that I recently was asked to come up to his house were he presented me with a gun I will forever remember uncle van every time I pick that gun up

Van will truly be missed. I'm glad I was able to fulfill Van's request and have Nick come see him. Nick will always cherish this memory and the gun his Uncle Van gave him. RIP Van. Sending all my love Diane.

Diane, we are so sorry for your loss. Van will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was one of the hardest working people we have ever met, so giving, and always thinking of others. His love for animals, as well as the wildlife that live in the woods behind our homes was so apparent. He loved watching the deer as they came to feed along the edge of the woods. Van truly had one of the kindest hearts we’ve ever known, and we are blessed to have been able to call him a friend. We met Van and Diane 3 years ago when we moved into the same neighborhood. Together, they welcomed us, and helped us with anything we needed. We will always be so thankful that we became friends. We love you Diane, and we will be here for you with whatever you may need.

Diane I am so sorry for your loss It has only been two years since I met you and Van moving into my new neighborhood ., I can say from the first moment I met Van I immediately felt his warmth and kindness and an instant friendship developed.. I will never forget when I first met him how he gave me his phone number and said don’t ever hesitate to call incase I ever needed them in the middle of the night . I was down the block by myself .. none of other houses had been finished yet and it was dark and scary … He made me feel safe . I am so sad I will not get to spend more days laughing with him .. and getting to know him more. we would just cut up and laugh all the time when we were together .. we became instant friends because he was so easy to talk to .,I feel like I had known him forever .. You may be gone Van but you will never be forgotten 😢💕

Diane and Van were the two nicest people I've known, always supportive and willing to lend their help. Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss, Diane. We will keep both of you in our prayers. Sue Guarnieri and Family

Diane Condolences, and our heartfelt thoughts for you. Van was a kind, good hearted , generous man and he will be missed greatly. Always remember we are here to help you in anyway we can.

Diane, I'm very sorry to hear of Van Art's passing. My prayers are with you and the family.

Diane - Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved husband. Van had many outstanding qualities. He was a man’s man, a hard worker, and a loyal friend you could always count on. He was a man of honor, integrity and character. However, what we will remember most about him, was his kindness. Van’s willingness to quietly and unselfishly do for others was exemplary. He was a dear and cherished friend to us and we will miss him. May he rest in peace.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Van. He was kind, caring, and endlessly supportive. He was the type of person who never hesitated to help me, no matter how busy or overwhelmed he might have been himself. Van had a way of showing up exactly when you needed someone, offering quiet encouragement, genuine kindness, and a steady presence that made even the hardest days feel a little easier. Working with him was truly a gift, but knowing him as a friend was an even bigger one. He looked out for me in ways I’ll never forget, and he never once made me feel like a burden. His compassion, patience, and willingness to go above and beyond left a lasting impact on my life. I’m forever grateful for the moments we shared, the support he offered without hesitation, and the warmth he brought into my world simply by being who he was. Van will be missed more than words can express, but the goodness he showed to me will stay with me always.

You will truly be missed Van, it's so hard to come to work and see Richard and not your smiling face! My heart is broken but I know your notbin any pain or suffering anymore. R.I.P. my dear friend. Sending your wife Diane prayers as she was love of your life!

Diane: I am so sorry to hear of his passing. We used to have such fun at work. Such a good person and was always ready to help. We have so many good memories of him. Diane I am so sorry, he will be missed. We have such good memories to hold in Hearts. Take care.

If there was ever a "Love Story" to be told .. the title would be called "Van and Diane". To inseparable love birds committed to each other over 46 years. I have known Van and Diane for over 30 years. I am grateful I made it in time to see him but most importantly the times we shared. One of my fondest memories was Christmas Eve. Van,Diane and I went to the Italian Market in Philadelphia. We were in line for over 2 hours to get into the bakery. The bakery was serving shots of Ameratto and Rum to everyone as it was cold. Van kept our place in line as me and Diane went to the other local shops. It was a hysterical moment. No one waits in line for cookies. And of course I will always remember my "Bottle to Go". Van was a good man and very devoted to Diane. I will always remember his kindness. My condolences to my friend Diane.

My husband and I met Van and Diane less than 3 years ago. We live next door. Our first interaction with Van was Van on a ladder cleaning leaves out of our gutter. I’m not sure he even knew our names. That was Van; you need help he was always available. We will miss our good friend and neighbor and will always be there for Diane. “When we do good things for others, we do good things for God” Max Lucas

Diane, I am so sorry for the lost of Rooster. I will forever cherish the memories of growing up on the farm and hunting with him and my Dad. Those were the days! Rest easy buddy, and I know you will leave the light on.
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Diane, I am saddened and sorry to learn of Van's passing. Gather strength from Jesus' words...John 14:1-3

Van was a hard-working, wonderful individual. My deepest sympathy to his loving wife Diane. We pray the love of God unfolds you during your journey through grief. God is our refuge and strength. Many prayers.

Rooster was a great guy! I hunted with him and Kenny over 40 years ago and I am truly saddened by this loss. God Speed Rooster!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.