Contributions to the tribute of Thomas Mozee III

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Monday, November 22, 2021

I desperately wanted to play the clarinet when I was in elementary school. The music teacher at the time required you to echo the note she sang as part of the audition. Well, I was tone deaf and still am, so I never made the band. When I got to Hatch Middle School, I still desired to play the clarinet. Well, one day, my classmate Jeanne Clark came back from music class and started telling me that the music teacher needed clarinet players and asked me if I was interested. My eyes lit up like a Christmas tree with excitement. The only thing was I had never played an instrument in my entire life. I lied and said I did. I desperately wanted to be a musician and decided that I could fake it. The first day I met the music teacher, Mr. Mozee, he asked me to hold the clarinet and play a note. In my mind I thought how hard it can be. Well after a minute of me trying to blow a note, it was apparent to Mr. Mozee that I had no idea what I was doing. I prepared to be sent back to my classroom and make up a tall tale as to why I was back so early. Mr. Mozee looked at me and said you will need your parent to sign this paper and submit a fee to use the clarinet for the school year. He knew that I did not know how to play the clarinet and he did not scold me for lying but decided that he was going to teach me how to play the clarinet. I was third chair for my time at Hatch Middle school until one day, the Camden High Jazz Ensemble came to our school for an assembly. He watched my eyes light up again and he looked at me and said, “Denise if you really want to be good like them, then you will have to practice long hours.” I looked at him and said, “I really want to play in the Camden High Marching Band” never thinking that I would ever be good enough to play in their Jazz Ensemble. I remember practicing so much after band rehearsal that my lip would be shot. In a matter of year, I moved from third chair to second chair. When it was time for me to graduate from middle school Mr. Mozee made sure he shared every summer band camp opportunity and All City Events with me to perfect my craft. Unlike my other classmates I did not have an early start like they did in elementary school with learning an instrument. Mr. Mozee encouraged me to continue practicing the clarinet and to never let my late start in learning deter me from my dreams. The following year I started Camden High School and auditioned for their marching band and started as second chair. I was beyond excited to be a part of the renown marching band. I continued my regimen of practicing the clarinet and by the second year of high school I began learning how to play the alto saxophone. By my junior year I moved from second to first chair and joined concert and classical band. The beginning of my senior I was asked to audition for the Jazz Ensemble, and I was hesitant because I knew how good and dedicated you had to be. The following day I found out that I had made the Jazz Ensemble band and was on cloud nine. My senior year my classmates nominated and selected me for female class musician. Today I celebrate Mr. Mozee, my first music teacher who encouraged me and poured his love of music in me. Mr. Mozee loved what he did and enjoyed seeing his students flourish. Today, I send my condolences and prayers to his family as they lay him to rest.

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Alice Wilson lit a candle

Sunday, November 21, 2021

My deepest sympathy to the family of Thomas Mozee. He was a dear friend and colleague for many years in the city of Camden. Tom was truly a compassionate advocate for the students in the school system and he will be remembered by the lives that he touched. Beyond the valley of sadness lies the comfort of grace. With love Alice Wilson

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Marilyn Gordon posted a condolence

Friday, November 19, 2021

My deepest condolences are extended to the family of Mr. Mozee, my former music teacher at Broadway Elementary School and Hatch Middle School. What an amazing role model for young impressionable inner city youth. He loved music and taught with such passion to spread the love of music to future generations! I started playing the clarinet in 3rd grade and played throughout high school. Although I haven’t picked up my clarinet in years, I developed a love and appreciation for all genres of music because of Mr. Mozee. I am grateful that God sent him to us to teach and to mentor children into becoming better human beings. He has earned his wings. Marilyn L. Gordon, MD, FACP, CPE, FHELA

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Rich Sexton posted a condolence

Thursday, November 18, 2021

My sympathies to the Mozee family. I got to know Tom though my father, Dick Sexton, who was a colleague of Tom's at Hatch Middle School in Camden. Tom was a very good friend to my father who was living in assisted living for the last few years of his own life. During that time, Tom would still come to visit my dad, along with Lee Alvarez, and they would take him out to lunch on a regular basis.This kindness and friendship to my father meant a lot to him, and to me and the rest of my family as well. We last saw Tom at my dad's Memorial service this past July. He appeared to be laboring, but he made the effort to be there, which said a lot about him. Tom was a good guy, and he will be missed. Rich Sexton

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Tony and Elena White purchased flowers

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Tony and Elena White

purchased the Light Of My Life Bouquet for the family of Thomas Mozee III. Send Flowers

May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. We will keep you and the family in our prayers!

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Richard Wilson posted a condolence

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Tom was a good hearted man and he will be missed by many and myself included. I will be praying for the Lord to give your family comfort at this difficult time. Be encouraged that "he well wipe all tears from your eyes." Compassionately submitted: Bro. Richard Wilson

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The family of Thomas Mozee III uploaded a photo

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

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Carmen Lozada-Cooper posted a condolence

Monday, November 15, 2021

I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Mr Mozeé... a former work colleague with such a kind & humble spirit..... truly one of Camden's great educators! #awesomemusician

A Memorial Tree was planted for Thomas Mozee III

Sunday, November 14, 2021

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Covington Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

Thomas Mozee III

1938 - 2021

Plant a tree in memory of Thomas