General Information

Full Name: Morris Liss
Date of Death: Saturday, December 13, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Moe Liss, who died peacefully at home in Wayne, New Jersey, on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Moe was born on September 2, 1933, in Paterson, New Jersey, to his parents, Philip and Esther Liss.

Moe was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He dedicated his life to teaching and helping others. Among the many roles he filled so meaningfully were those of friend, teacher, mentor, colleague, counselor, and volunteer. When asked where he grew up, Moe was always proud to say, “I am from Paterson, born and raised.” A graduate of Eastside High School, he went on to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Montclair State University. Moe returned to his alma mater, where he taught Social Studies, served as a Guidance Counselor, and became Coordinator of Federal Aid to Education Programs for the Paterson Board of Education. In 2002, he was inducted into the Eastside High School Hall of Fame. Moe also taught at Temple University and Kean University and supervised student teachers at Bloomfield College.

Moe proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist Third Class. Throughout his life, Moe was a passionate advocate for causes close to his heart. He served as Past Chairman of the Warsaw Ghetto Memorial Committee; Former President of the Lupus Foundation of New Jersey; Former Treasurer of The Compassionate Friends, Bergen/Passaic Chapter; mentor to Eastside High School students; and Board Member of the Jewish Historical Society of North Jersey.

Beyond his work in public schools and universities, Moe created team-building programs for the Philadelphia Prison System, consulted with the Carteret School System to develop programs addressing school desegregation and racial conflict through peer leadership training, and served as a training coordinator for the New York Power Authority at the Indian Point Nuclear Facility. Moe was the author and co-author of several books, including Coping Successfully, Debbie’s Stories, and The Thy Boychiks of Summer. He was also the founder of the Spartans Boys Club, which later became the Spartans Men Club, known simply as “The Spartans.” What began as a group of young boys he guided as a camp counselor grew into a lifelong brotherhood—friends who became family and remained deeply dear to his heart for more than 65 years. Moe is survived by his loving family: his wife, Pearl, his partner and biggest fan for almost 40 years; his children Brenda and her husband Tsion Bitan, Jeff and his wife Liz Liss, and Jaime and her husband Bill Murphy; his grandchildren Ronit Bitan, Shai and her husband Itai Valenti, and Asher Liss; and his great-grandchild, Ray Valenti. He is also survived by many extended family members and friends who were truly family.

Moe is predeceased by his beloved daughter, Debbie Liss and his sister and brother-in-law,
Rose and Murray Ross. Moe lived an extraordinary life, enriched by the countless people who were part of it. He treated everyone like family and touched lives across all walks of life. He epitomized the word giving—always ready and willing to go the extra mile for his students, friends, and loved ones. He truly was a man for all seasons.

Services and military honors will be held at Louis Suburban Funeral Home in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, on Tuesday, December 16, at 2:00 p.m., directly followed by shiva/visitation with the family at their home, 118 Bowfell Court, Wayne, NJ 07470. All are welcome.

The family will sit shiva at their home on Wednesday, December 17, and Thursday, December 18, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All are welcome.

Donations in Moe’s memory may be made to the Jewish Historical Society of North Jersey in Fair Lawn, New Jersey: https://jhsnnj.org/