Thomas Eugene Moran Jr., affectionately known as TJ to his family and friends, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on April 29, 2026, at 9:36 PM EST at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. He was 43 years old. A resident of Dennison, Ohio, TJ shared a beautiful, adventurous life with his devoted wife, Rachel Ann Albery Moran.

Born on June 16, 1982, TJ grew up as a true farm boy on his family's farm in Buckhannon, West Virginia. He was the beloved son of Thomas Eugene Moran Sr. and Glenna Rae Moran. He was a proud 2000 graduate of Buckhannon-Upshur High School. Following his high school graduation and throughout his college years, TJ began his professional journey with an internship for Senator Clark Barnes. He attended West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Political Science in 2006. It was also during his college years that he welcomed his wonderful son, Trenton Alexander Moran, into his life.

After completing his degree, TJ transitioned into a successful career in the oil and gas industry. His brilliant mind found a natural fit in this field, where he excelled for multiple companies in statistics, heirship, and title work.

TJ was a charismatic, fun-loving, and quick-witted man with an unmatched sense of humor. He often joked about enjoying the quiet life of a "hermit" at home, but whenever he ventured out, he was undeniably the life of the party. He was a man of diverse and passionate interests, finding joy in mushroom hunting, working on the house, and caring for the animals on their farm. He also shared a deep enjoyment of gardening, canning, and cooking with his wife, Rachel. TJ was an avid gamer, immersing himself in Warhammer 40k—spending many cherished hours at home painting figurines alongside his wife—board games like Hero Quest and Mutant Chronicles, and video games spanning from Zelda and Borderlands to New World, Diablo 2 and 4, Fallout 76, and Space Marines. Gaming created a deeply special bond between TJ and his son, Trenton. Together, they spent around a year meticulously tracking down and writing out the locations of every Easter egg in Call of Duty Zombies maps. They also spent countless hours battling it out in Killer Instinct, with Trenton fondly noting that his dad was the only person who could ever beat him.

Fall was undoubtedly TJ's favorite season. He cherished hosting bonfires, going on hayrides, attending fall festivals—with the Algonquin Mill Festival being his absolute favorite—and making trips to Cedar Point for Halloweekends. He also loved the outdoors, hiking, and setting off fireworks during family gatherings.

TJ loved an adventure, traveling extensively with his family and friends. His legendary road trips were fueled by laughter listening to Crank Yankers and a custom, multi-genre music album he created himself. His travels took him across the map—from the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Hoover Dam, and Las Vegas to Niagara Falls, Mount Washington, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, where he delighted in fresh seafood and visiting the tearoom. He and Rachel shared a beautiful honeymoon in Kauai, Hawaii, where TJ developed a fondness for fresh fruit smoothies. He enjoyed trips to Universal Studios in Florida and recently traveled overseas to Rome, Pompeii, and Iceland, where he discovered a deep and memorable appreciation for Icelandic hot dogs.

TJ’s legacy of love, brilliance, and laughter is carried on by his wife, Rachel; his son, Trenton; his parents, Thomas Sr. and Glenna; his sisters, Jennifer Moran-Sandberg (George) and Brandi Jo Irey (Rich); and his loving in-laws, Stephen and Elizabeth Albery, Ben (Karen) Albery, and Aaron (Bridget) Albery. He is also survived by his nephews, Terris Sandberg, Nathaniel Albery, and Caleb Albery; his nieces, Jessica Sandberg and Genevieve Albery; as well as many more aunts, uncles, and cousins, who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his and Rachel's precious unborn baby; his paternal grandparents, Robert and Rose Moran; his maternal grandparents, Kenneth and Caroleen Reed; as well as many aunts, uncles, and one cousin.

There will be two memorial services held to honor TJ's life—one in Dover, Ohio, and another in his hometown of Buckhannon, West Virginia. Dates and details for both will be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to his wife, Rachel Ann Albery, to help cover medical expenses during this difficult time.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to all who knew and loved TJ during the great adventure that was his life, till we meet again.