A. Robert Moore, 82, an adhesives specialist who helped write the book on the installation of ceramic tiles and followed up with a self-published tome on what ails America, died Monday, March 19, in his Glen Ellyn home.
Mr. Moore’s “Why We Should Fire Congress” was published several months ago and contains essays on topics ranging from gun control to abortion, all bolstered by newspaper editorials. Mr. Moore’s book is a look at the United States through the eyes of a passionate man with unwavering principles.
“He was an intense person on many issues,” said his daughter, Charlotte Pleviak. “He was a staunch Republican, with no gray areas and only one way to do things right.”
Much of Mr. Moore’s perspective came from a long career with the Army, which began at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. The La Grange native was in the ROTC program there when the U.S. entered World War II. In spring 1942, he was part of the 1st Armored Division, fighting its way across Africa and to the beach at Anzio.
“They fought up through Italy, and he was there for the liberation of Rome. His first injury came when he was hit by shrapnel in southern France, and a few days later he rolled over a landmine and had his jaw broken,” his daughter said. Mr. Moore received two Purple Hearts for his injuries.
He stayed in the military after the war and, in 1977, retired from the Army Reserve with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Mr. Moore was a sales manager for HB Fuller Inc., a Minnesota-based maker of adhesives, primarily to the tile market. It was with Fuller that he helped write the manual on ceramic tile installation that is used by professionals and amateurs.
Mr. Moore helped build an Episcopal church in Villa Park and later assisted in the founding and building of The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation in Bloomingdale.
A sportsman who enjoyed fishing interesting waters, Mr. Moore annually ventured to the Yukon and South America in search of a challenge, his daughter said. His final trip to the Yukon was with buddies last June.
“He was a Cubs and Bears fan and filled in the seasons by following basketball,” she said.
Other survivors include two sons, Don and Jerry; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 10 a.m. Thursday in The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, 261 Army Trail Rd., Bloomingdale.
