Gemma Moran, a force for good in the region, dies at 99
May 16—GROTON — Gemma E. Moran, a woman who almost single-handedly changed the way food is distributed to the needy in southeastern Connecticut, died Tuesday morning at age 99 at the Groton Regency.
"She died happy and felt she was recognized for all she did," said Donna Vendetto, a friend who was with her at the end.
In a story published in April, Moran told the story of how the Gemma Moran United Way Labor Food Center got its start while also characteristically saying she didn't want accolades for her part in it.
The food center is the largest in the region, servicing 20,000 people a month. And what people remember is Moran's determination to make sure no one in the region went hungry.
"She certainly has made her mark, and we are all better off because of her," said Tony Sheridan, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut.
"It's a very sad day," said Chris Riley, a spokesperson for Norwich Public Utilities. "She was so well respected and so well liked, nothing short of inspirational."
The United Way said in a release that Moran "served as a vital link between the United Way programs and services and working men and women." The Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, which launched in 1988, now has 68 member agencies feeding those in need.
Moran grew up in the gritty city of Everett, Mass., in less than ideal circumstances. She was the baby of 14 children to parents who emigrated from Italy, and her mom never learned to read or write.
"We never knew what it was to have elaborate meals," she said. "I had a hard life. We pooled our pennies together."
Despite having to scrape meals together, Moran always was generous, a trait that served her well early in life as a social worker.
In 1970, Moran's husband got a union job with Electric Boat and the family moved to Groton, where she replicated the idea she was introduced to in Massachusetts to have labor unions involved in rounding up food to give to those in need.
"Every United Way in America had a labor rep; we did not," she said, referring to the organization in southeastern Connecticut. "It was run by businessmen."
Later, Moran was involved in a food bank at a building at Norwich State Hospital before eventually moving to a permanent location in New London. In addition to help from the Teamsters union, Moran credited Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos with supporting the food collection effort, along with local grocery stores.
Now, the food bank distributes 1.8 million meals annually.
"The food bank is the United Way and labor working together," Moran said. "Regretfully, it's named after me."
But Dina Sears-Graves, president and CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, said having her name on the building just shows how much people appreciated what Moran was doing.
"I think she definitely was a visionary," Sears-Graves said in a phone interview. "She was always thinking big picture and laid the groundwork to build what we have today."
Riley, the NPU spokesman, said people had a hard time saying no to Gemma Moran. When she talked about the annual appeal, people on the fence would be inspired to give.
"She was so good at what she did," he said. "You would find it hard to find anyone in our region that has helped more people or made a bigger impact through their hard work, giant heart, and unwavering commitment to those in need."
Moran into her 90s gave speeches in the region urging people to give generously. She peppered them with little jokes that at times could get a little spicy.
Moran never had children but she stayed in touch with dozens of nieces and nephews.
"Help those who need it," she said. "Do all the good you can and then forget about it."
