David J. Moore

Dave Moore, who brought expanded skiing and recreation opportunities to thousands of people in Western Mass and beyond, and who was known to many as the face of Mt. Tom, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Tuesday, February 25, surrounded by his loving family. A proud native and lifelong resident of Holyoke, Dave was the son of James Moore and Margaret (Sullivan) Moore, and the younger brother of his beloved sisters Joan and Marilyn. He was a member of Holyoke High School’s Class of 1964 and earned his bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University. Dave – or “Cleo” as he was affectionately known to childhood friends – had a passion for sports and played hockey, baseball, and golf throughout high school, working as a caddy on weekends at Holyoke Country Club. His lifelong enthusiasm for golf never diminished and was matched only by a fierce devotion to following college football, especially at his alma mater, Penn State. Dave began his career with O’Connell Construction in Holyoke, eagerly absorbing everything he could learn about the industry. When founder Dan O’Connell offered him a chance to learn about ski operations at Mt. Tom Ski Area, he accepted without hesitation, beginning in the ticket office, advancing quickly through various roles, and eventually being promoted to General Manager/Vice President. In this capacity he oversaw the development, expansion, and day-to-day management of the ski area for nearly two decades. He led the charge to transition Mt. Tom from a winter only operation to a multi-season resort by creating a successful corporate outing program, and adding Mt. Tom Summerside, which featured multiple waterslides, and the first wave pool ever installed at a ski area. His boundless energy and creative problem solving led to many other achievements during his tenure at Mt. Tom, including hosting numerous fundraising events to benefit organizations like the Jimmy Fund and the National Heart Assn; working with Senator Ted Kennedy to develop major ski area safety legislation still in place at most ski areas around the country; supporting the reintroduction of peregrine falcon nests to the cliffs of Mt. Tom; and being selected as one of only a handful of ski area operators in the country to represent the US ski industry at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. Dave also co-hosted a popular weekly ski report segment on Channel 22 news for several years. When Mt. Tom closed permanently, Dave reinvented himself and launched a second notable career in real estate that spanned the rest of his life. Initially focusing on residential properties, Dave first worked with Allyn & O’Donnell Realty, then later joined NAI Plotkin in Springfield as a Commercial Real-Estate Associate in its Brokerage Services division. He also played a key role in overseeing the historic renovation of the former Holyoke Catholic High School buildings in downtown Holyoke, and continued to work as a consultant after the buildings were converted into the Chestnut Park Apartments. In his spare time, Dave served various associations and boards. He was the Founding President of the Pioneer Valley Convention & Visitor’s Bureau in Springfield; worked on various projects for Holyoke G&E; served on the City’s Dept of Public Works, as both a board member and commissioner; and most recently, was a member of the Whiting Street Reservoir Study Committee. In 1998, Dave married his long-time friend and love of his life, Carolyn (Trabulsi) Moore, and immediately embraced the role of dad to Carol’s then 14-year-old son, Jeff. While Dave found joy in everything he did, he was never happier than when he was enjoying a simple life at home with his wife and their standard poodle. He loved all music, especially classical, jazz, and Beatles, and it was almost always playing, whether he was in his office or his car. He spent countless hours enjoying their backyard garden through all seasons - particularly happy in spring and summer watching the downy woodpeckers, bluejays, and hummingbirds that nest there each year. The SKI TOM license plate he kept on his car, along with his trademark sunglasses, baseball cap, and mustache, made him easily recognizable as he drove through town - typically with a dog or two in the backseat - and he often pulled over to chat with neighbors or to greet them with a big smile and a wave when he couldn’t stop. Dave didn’t talk about his values - he lived them. He was intensely devoted to his family and friends and offered help without hesitation to anyone in need. He had an uncanny ability to recognize potential and mentored many community members who worked at the ski area. Long after Mt. Tom had closed, it wasn’t unusual for people bumping into Dave by chance to tell him how much working at Mt. Tom had meant to them or to their kids, often crediting him for instilling in them a work ethic that made them the people they are today. Dave was predeceased by his sister Joan Noel. He is survived by his devoted wife Carol, son Jeffrey “Jey” Klug and daughter-in-law Morgan Supiro-Berg of Holyoke; his sister Marilyn Hinkley of Marlborough, MA, nephews David Hunter of Steamboat, CO, and Jay Noel of Beverly, MA; nieces Maura Hunter of Ashland, MA, and Andrea Beach, of Glenview, IL, mother-in-law Sally Trabulsi of Holyoke; faithful companion Northstar; and many cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and numerous friends from across the country who will miss his kind spirit, sense of humor, and infectious smile. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no visiting hours. A Celebration of Life for Dave will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial gift in Dave’s name to  Kestrel Land Trust at www.kestreltrust.org/give/tribute-gift/; to Mass Audubon, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773; or to a charity of your choice with a focus on wildlife, nature, and conservation.

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