H. Charles Moore

March 19, 1940 – April 26, 2026
H. Charles Moore, Ph.D., 86, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona. A man of intellect, curiosity, and warmth, Charles lived a life defined by leadership, a love of the Great Lakes and the Arizona landscape, and a deep devotion to his family.'

Born on March 19, 1940, in Bay City, Michigan, to the late Hobert C. Moore, D.O., and Daisy Mildred Moore, Charles earned his Bachelor of Arts from Albion College, where he pledged the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He went on to receive both his Master of Arts and Ph.D. from Michigan State University.

Charles began his professional career in academia, teaching at Northern Michigan University and Michigan State University during the 1960s. His passion for education and leadership in the field of osteopathic medicine led to his appointment as President of the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (now A.T. Still University). He was widely respected in his profession, serving as President of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine and as Chairman of the Committee on Medical Education. He belonged to many professional organizations and was a frequent speaker for community groups.

His life was rich with memorable experiences. During his college years, he drove horses on Mackinac Island and spent a memorable summer working aboard a Great Lakes freighter—experiences that became the source of many treasured stories. He held especially dear the cherished memories of the family cottage on Little Moran Bay in St. Ignace, Michigan.

A life-long learner, Charles was an avid reader whose thoughtfully curated library spanned classical literature, history, and historical fiction. Known for his reflective nature, Charles was a gifted listener who encouraged others to reflect deeply, often sharing his advice: “Listen and think about what you hear; make time for it frequently.”

In the mid-1980s, Charles relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where he built a successful career as a real estate broker and later as a mortgage broker. He had a rare gift for forming lasting friendships wherever life took him. Within his family, he was the trusted editor-no paper was submitted without first being reviewed by Grandpa.

Charles shared 43 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Sonya, blending two families into one. He is survived by his three children: Christina (Bob) Saniga of Hudsonville, Michigan; Mitch (Michelle) Moore of St. Augustine, Florida; and Matthew (Cindy) Moore of Grand Haven, Michigan; and daughters Raquel Cooley, Heather Volpe, and Amy Haymore, all of Tucson, Arizona. Together, Charles and Sonya shared the joy of 14 grandchildren, nine great- grandchildren, and two more on the way. He was preceded in death by wife, his parents; his sister, Jane Anne Kline; and his son-in-law, Andre Haymore.

Per Charles’s wishes, there will be no service. Internment will take place in the churchyard at St. Marks’ United Methodist Church.

Charles Moore will be remembered for his sharp mind, his expansive heart, and his enduring belief that every person—and every book—holds a story worth hearing.