Harry Delzell Moshenrose

July 24, 1917 - March 6, 2016

Harry Delzell Moshenrose, 98, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2016. The only child of William and Tressie Moshenrose, Harry was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 24, 1917, in the back of their ice cream & candy shop. When Harry was 2, he and his parents moved to Southern California.

Harry graduated from Huntington Park High School in 1935. He went on to attend Los Angeles City College, and then transferred to UCLA, where he earned his B.S. in Chemistry in June 1941. Shortly after graduating, Harry was interviewed by North American Aviation and hired on July 14, 1941. He began his career there in the midst of World War II, working in NAA’s Research Laboratory as a chemist helping manufacture finishing systems for military aircraft. Throughout the rest of his career Harry oversaw several projects involving Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle missions. He worked at NAA for over 42 years, retiring in February 1983. After retirement, he devoted almost 30 years volunteering at St. Raymond Catholic Church, Downey CA, providing computer data maintenance to the parish. Through his service to the Catholic Church in 2010 Harry was honored with the title of Sir Henrico Moshenrose, a Knight of the Vatican, by Pope Benedict XVI.

In September 1942 he married his love and partner, Dorothy Walters, in Huntington Park, CA. They shared 61 wonderful years together before Dorothy’s passing in October 2003.

He is survived by his four children, Jeanie (Gary) McHatton, Tom (Debbie) Moshenrose, Joyce (Robert) Fitzpatrick and Diane Moshenrose; seven grandchildren - Michelle, Melissa, Kristiane, Steven, Christopher, Scott and Laura; and fourteen great-grandchildren - Jordan, Deric, Kaitlyn, Nicole, Jazlyn, Cameron, Jaryn, Anika, Katerina, Olivia, Abigail, Remington, Charlotte and Lyla.

“HD”, as he was so lovingly called by his wife, Dorothy, will always be remembered for his great sense of humor, astounding work ethic and commitment to God and family.

A Rosary will be held at Miller-Mies Mortuary on Friday, March 11th, in Downey at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Raymond Catholic Church on Saturday, March 12th, in Downey at 10am. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach.