Richard Moraca

February 18, 1958 - March 14, 2017

Richard Moraca, age 59, died unexpectedly at home March 14, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Sonja (Mesaric); daughters, Julia Martin (Damon Moye) of Raleigh, NC and Kira Moraca of Destin, FL; mother, Celeste (Iacovelli) Moraca of Bellmawr, NJ; brothers Joseph (Rhonda) of White Springs, FL, Paul of Bellmawr, NJ; niece, Rachel (Jonathan) Moraca de Solorzano of Orlando, FL; granddaughters Imani, Laila Harris and grandson Kyrie Moye of Raleigh, NC. Rich was born February 18, 1958 in Westchester County, NY, graduated from St. Joseph’s High School, Camden, NJ and Santa Fe State College, Gainesville, FL. Further credentialing included RT(R)CV (Radiologic Technologist, Registered, Cardio-Vascular). His career in this cardiology field began at Alachua General Hospital in Gainesville, FL, and continued by working exclusively in Cardiac Catherization labs alongside his wife, Sonja, as traveling professionals from Boston, MA to Sacramento, CA. Rich provided quality care to patients, mentoring coworkers wherever they went. His meticulous attention to detail was immediately evident to those with whom he worked and he took great pride in his contribution to exceptional patient outcomes. It was not unusual for cardiologists to request Rich to work their cases due to both his knowledge, skill and sharp wit. Rich and Sonja became known as the “Dos Moracas” in the Cath Lab community, making lifelong friends at every contract. They were instrumental in opening an Interventional Cardiology Program at Melrose - Wakefield Hospital, MA and started the Invasive Cardiac Program at Lakeway Regional Medical Center, Austin TX. After eight years of settled life in Austin, TX, Rich and Sonja returned to their family and the mountains of North Carolina in 2016. This east coast transition allowed for a new quality of life. Rich settled into semi-retirement, enjoying hiking and his mountain home as well as the increased frequency of visits with family. Rich would want you to visit a local brewery, drink a craft IPA and love your life and your wife. He would tell you to cheer for the Gators and Go Eagles! Despite his wishes for no service, the immediate family will celebrate his life together in one of his favorite wooded spots. Because of his life-long love of dogs, particularly his latest rescue “Buster Brown”, please consider a Memorial gift in his name to Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation of Waynesville, NC (sargeanimals.org).