Linford Moyer, who guided Pottstown school finances, dies at 94
POTTSTOWN » Linford Moyer, who steered the Pottstown School District’s finances for nearly 40 years, died April 23, 2021, at his home in Vero Beach, Fla., at age 94.
Moyer was born in New Hanover in 1926 to the late Franklin E. Moyer and Alice R. Moyer.
His early school years were spent in a one-room school that housed eight grades, with two students in his grade, according to his obituary.
He began his lifelong career in public education at 16 while still a student at Pottstown High School, working after school and on Saturdays in the business office.
After serving in the Navy as an aide to the executive officer aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Princeton during World War II, Moyer returned to work in Pottstown schools, working in the business office while also attending night school at Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where he earned a degree in business.
Former Schools Superintendent Ray Feick worked with Moyer for decades and the two became close friends.
“We were like brothers,” Feick said Wednesday night. “We made so many decisions together and when we disagreed, we never made it personal.”
The two often camped together with their sons and
Moyer helped set up the finances for education foundations in Pottstown as well as the Pottstown Alumni Honor Roll, of which he was an honoree, said Feick.
They also both attended New Hanover Lutheran Church together, where Moyer served on committees and the church governing board.
“He was a brilliant business manager, he really cared for people and he really cared for Pottstown,” Feick said.
Moyer was assistant superintendent for business and served the district for 37 years.
During his tenure, the district experienced growth and expansion, and Lin oversaw the design, financing and construction of four elementary schools and a new senior high school, as well as the renovation of all the district’s schools, according to the obituary provided by his son Bruce.
His reputation as a skilled business administrator won him national recognition, electing him president of the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO) in 1964 and the Association of School Business Official International in 1977.
Jim Bush, himself a former business manager for the school district worked with Moyer for 12 years.
“He was a great mentor,” Bush said Wednesday night. “He taught me a lot and gave me a lot of opportunities.”
Longtime Pottstown teacher and administrator John Armato agreed.
“Lin was kind and compassionate, a true professional who always tried to make decisions in the best interest of students, staff and community,” Armato said. “He dedicated a lifetime of commitment to the school district and community of Pottstown.”
In 1980, Moyer became the first full-time executive director of PASBO, where he increased school business training opportunities. He also created the first statewide money market fund for school districts in Pennsylvania and the first in the nation.
Following his retirement from PASBO in 1987, Moyer served as vice president of Cadre Consulting Services, a national firm providing cash management services to school districts across the country, according to his obituary.
He leaves behind his wife of 72 years, Violet (nee Moyer), sister Betty Seasholtz, son Bruce L. Moyer and daughter-in-law JoAnn Bowman, grand-daughters Ashley M. Price and Brittany B. Moyer and greatgrand-children Avery, Noah and Violet, the children of Ashley and Matthew Price. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Thelma Moyer and Bernetta Bleile.
A memorial service celebrating Lin’s life and his entry into the Everlasting Kingdom will be held on Monday, May 3, 2021, at 11 am at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, 520 Royal Palm Blvd., Vero Beach, Fla.
The service will be livestreamed and archived on the church website (firstpresvero.org).
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, 520 Royal Palm Blvd., Vero Beach, FL 32960; or to the Linford F. Moyer and Family Scholarship Fund, c/o The Foundation for Pottstown Education, 230 Beech St., Pottstown, PA 19464.