In Memory

Chris Mooney

Chris passed away in the early hours of December 19, 2014 much sooner than we expected. He was in the comfort of his home in Santa Barbara, California with his spouse Laura Morgan, his sister Marie Mooney, and his beloved cat Maeve at his side. He had a wonderful life made joyful by his many friends. He was born on November 10, 1936. He loved teaching in Europe and took great pleasure in the many field study courses he taught in Rome, Florence, Greece and Ireland.



 
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12/30/14 09:30 AM #1    

Rosemarie Anderson

My sympathies and blessings to Chris, Laura, and family. Warm regards, Rosemarie


12/30/14 11:53 AM #2    

Emily Chalmers

Chris was an amazing man.  I knew him when he was teaching in central Germany, and he was always impressive--multilingual, quite brilliant, and very kind.  One of my favorite memories of him:  I walked into an office in Heidelberg one afternoon to find Chris on two phones, speaking into one in Italian and the other in German, while talking in English to those in the room.  It was a delight to know him.


12/31/14 08:31 AM #3    

Ronald Schlundt

As a colleague of Chris' in the history department of  the European Division, I certainly send condolences to his family and will be thinking of them during this very difficult period

 

Ron Schlundt.


12/31/14 11:29 AM #4    

Rachel Borg

Laura, I remember you and Chris quite well.  My condolences to you and all his family and friends. And of course his cat.  Prayers and hugs.


01/01/15 10:42 AM #5    

Marla Lowenthal

So sorry to hear of his passing. Such an interesting man. I owe Florence to him. 


01/01/15 04:31 PM #6    

Richard Clegg

Perhaps it was because I was an adult student with already one BS degree tucked securely in my messenger bag.  Perhaps because I had traveled a bit myself by the time I encountered him.  But for whatever reason, I was ready and waiting for Dr. Mooney.  I had never really experienced such a professor in my educational background.  I'd like to say, Chris changed my life, but that's probably a bit over the top.  

He was charm itself.  He was magical and cast that magic amongst us all, students, admin, colleagues alike.  His knowledge was immense and over a vast range of subjects.  His ability to offer up that knowledge in a manner so engaging, so entertaining as to remind me of a performance by Sir John Gielgud, was unrivaled.  (Well, maybe by Steven McDonald.)

He seemed to have connections where connections counted.  While on a study tour to Rome (The Popes and the Papacy) Chris called upon someone with a bit of influence, and we students found ourselves gathered together to witness the remains of ancient "graffiti" in the bowels of Saint Peter's Basilica.  Thrilling!  Dr. Mooney could talk of Renaissance art, architecture, politics just as easily as the history of the Romans or Florentines.  He was at ease everywhere and in every possible setting.

Chris had tricks up his sleeve.  One was the trick of placing mental blinders on as we were let into the Vatican Museum when it opened one morning.  Our goal was the Sistine Chapel.  The mental blinders allowed us to NOT become distracted by the fabulous treasures of the museum and go directly to the chapel in order to arrive well ahead of the hordes guaranteeing us at least 30 to 45 minutes of uninterrupted viewing of Michelangelo's masterpiece.  We could then take off our blinders, swim up stream and view the treasures in reverse.  

To you, dear Laura ... I understand only too well that vague feeling of being profoundly alone that the death of your Chris brings.  You can be comforted in knowing that I'm only one of hundreds, perhaps thousands of his students touched by Chris's magic.  


01/03/15 11:35 AM #7    

Larry Hepinstall

Laura, Hi Soo and I send our deepest condolences. Several months ago, when we saw your names on the Overseas Marylander’s roster, we were so happy that at long last we could renew our friendship. Forgive me for procrastinating and missing the chance to talk with you both about the old times and your travels since our paths diverged. Laura, we hope we will have the chance for that conversation soon. We would love to hear about your lives together over the past three decades. (Can you believe it has been that long? It seems only yesterday).

Chris was a charismatic and inspiring teacher. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to see him in the classroom and on many of his study tours, such as “The Popes and Papacy”. His breadth of knowledge was astounding. As a lecturer, he was a spellbinder. We hung on his every thought and insight. He was at the core, the rock, of our faculty in Southern Germany. He could always be counted on when we needed a humanities course at a small kaserne far off  the beaten path. No place was too remote for Chris. With a smile, he took every assignment in stride. I always remember visiting his classes in Schuabisch Gmund in the dead of winter. The snow was piled up so high that the roads were almost impassable.

A finer, more fascinating , human being, I have never met. Hi Soo and I will miss him greatly. You both will continue in our thoughts, as you have over these many years.

Larry and Hi Soo Hepinstall

 


01/04/15 12:13 PM #8    

Joe Arden

It is a pleasure...to echo all the positive comments offered by others...about Chris.  More than any other of his many admirable qualities, I was always tremendously impressed by his broad-ranging intellect. The European Division,his many friends and professional colleagues, and most of all, his students...were most fortunate that Chris was involved with Maryland...in the manner he was.  

Please accept my deepest sympathies, Larua.  And, the very best to you.

Joe Arden


01/06/15 10:55 AM #9    

Linda Traenkle

Dear Laura and family, both Harry and I send our deepest sympathy to you. My memories of Chris are all fun ones as both a colleague who always, but always listened and cared as well as the best instructor I ever had. He was awe-inspiring and created an interest in Philosophy that has stayed with me. I am so sorry to know he is no longer somewhere on this earth making it a more lively and lovely place. Chris will always have a special place in my heart. Much love, Linda T.

01/05/21 03:14 PM #10    

David Lederer

Took the courses in Florence (Medici) and Rome (Popes and the Papacy).  They were very inspiring and contributed to my career choice as a professional historian.  He was a fine lecturer and a decent fellow.  Only saw this now, but we corresponded before he passed.  He is missed and remembered fondly.  Halcyon days...


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