George Moss

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of George E. Moss, longtime resident of Albuquerque, NM. George
joined the angels on New Year’s Day, 2024.
A proud “Canal Brat” George was born in the Canal Zone, Panama, in 1943, to George Walter Moss and Agripina
Marquez.
A career Marine, George was highly decorated and served with distinction as a Recon Marine over three tours in the
Vietnam War. He was awarded, among others, a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars for Valor, two Navy Commendation
Medals with V for Valor, two Purple Hearts, Combat Action Ribbon, and a Presidential Unit Citation for his service
with the Combined Action Platoon (CAP). He received his first Purple Heart while serving with the 1st Battalion 3rd
Marines in Operation Medina - and his second in his second tour as a member of CAP.
Eventually, George served as a Drill Instructor at Officer Candidate School in Quanitco, and later at the MCRD San
Diego, a highly unusual achievement. George was also selected to serve for a time with the Royal Marines in the UK,
an experience that left a huge impression. He was an instructor at the Mountain Warfare Training Center where he
exercised his love of cross country skiing and riflery. After a career spanning over 20 years and assignments ranging
around the world, he ended up on faculty at the University of New Mexico as the Rifle, Pistol and Drill team instructor,
and leader of the Physical Training Program for the ROTC program. Under his stewardship the program flourished. It
was there in the Naval ROTC building on campus that he met his future wife, Julianne Malone.
George and Julie had two daughters, Caitlin Marie and Meghan Brooke. George enjoyed supporting his daughter’s
activities throughout their school years and he applied his military leadership skills to many hours on the Mitchell
Elementary PTO, moving marching band equipment for the Eldorado High School Screaming Eagles, coaching
soccer, shining golf clubs, and getting his girls to practice 15 minutes early come rain or shine. He encouraged his
girls to pursue a variety of interests, including fine art, music, and horsemanship. George enjoyed dropping his girls
off at the Adventure Unlimited Ranches in Buena Vista, CO every summer and spent many years volunteering to
maintain a historic hand-dug ditch which flowed into the camp. In more recent years he gladly adopted the role of
Grandparent, insisting his grandchildren call him “Guapo” and settling for Papa.
George was an incredible role model and an exemplary example of servant-leadership. He had a lifelong dedication
to volunteer work and a passion for helping young people. George was an active Mason and member of Hiram Lodge
No. 13 AF & AM, Scottish Rite Valley of Santa Fe, and 32° Knight Commander Court of Honor. He spent many hours
putting his carpentry skills to work restoring windows at the Scottish Rite in Santa Fe, a building which was dear to
him. A Master Gardener of 12 years, George enjoyed mentoring and manning the gardening hotline. He was also an
avid bagpiper and was a member of the Ballut Abyad Shrine Pipe Band for many years. His hobbies also included
gardening, cultivating bonsai, reading, painting military miniatures, fly fishing and raising chickens.
George is survived by his wife, two daughters, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. He will be missed by his family and
friends who loved him deeply and enjoyed his advice and colorful anecdotes. He was immensely humble and kind.
The world is certainly better because he was here. His memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew him.
January 26, 2024
Memorial at 10:30am
Scottish Rite Center & Library
463 Paseo De Peralta
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Please join George’s family for light refreshments immediately following in the ballroom.
Graveside ceremony at 1:30pm
Santa Fe National Cemetery
501 N Guadalupe St
Santa Fe, NM 87501