Gary Moore

Gary Moore, 79, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, in McLean, Virginia. Born on March 19, 1946, in Oblong, Illinois, to Lester and Teresa Moore, Gary lived on their small family farm in southern Illinois until he was 9 years old, when he moved with his family to Chicago in the 1950s.  A natural leader from a young age, he served as the student body president at Saint Benedict High School and later as president of Young Christian Students (YCS). He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from American University in Washington, D.C.

Gary’s professional life was marked by dedicated service, including roles in the Governor’s office in Phoenix, Arizona, and as a labor economist and workforce policy analyst in Washington, D.C.  Using his talents in policy analysis and love for writing, he worked for national organizations including National Commission for Employment Policy, National Alliance of Business, the New Zealand Ministry for Social Development, US Department of Labor, US Department of Education. An avid reader with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Gary loved to travel and explore the world. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Gary is survived by his wife, Qinghua; his sister, Lucy Goldberg; his brother, John Moore, and his daughters, Jacqueline Picone, Kristina Dunne (John), and Li Ma. He was the proud grandfather of Joe, Katie, and Steve Russell; Matthew and Julia Picone; Emma and Keira Dunne; and Landon Lam. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Tom and Dave Moore, and his daughter, Michelle Russell.