We are so sorry to inform you of the passing of  Charles L. Moore, M.D. ’50 on April 20, 2017.

As a Merchant Marine in World War II, Charles survived 4 years at sea, which carved his path to becoming a surgeon. On breaks from medical school, he sailed a charter boat out of Boynton Inlet as Capt. Buddy Moore. He established his General and Thoracic Surgery practice in Lake Worth in 1961. During his 39 years in practice he was instrumental in establishing the first ICU in Florida, initiated the first comprehensive course for first responders – a model for our current EMT program, made early advancements in breast cancer treatment as well as serving as the Lake Worth High School team physician for several years.

Inspired to serve his country yet again, Dr. Moore volunteered as a combat surgeon in the 1st Marine Reconnaissance Battalion in Vietnam. He received two Purple Hearts, the Legion of Merit and a Bronze Star among many other accolades during his career. In spite of the conflict, he credited his service in Vietnam as the defining era in his life, forever loyal to his war time companions – Semper Fi. He returned highly decorated from Vietnam but not without some sacrifices. Dr. Moore set course with full sails to recuperate, rebuild and inspire. He went on to serve as the Chief of Surgery, Chairman of the Board and on two occasions the acting CEO of JFK Medical Center.

When he retired in 1990, Dr. Moore likened his transition to, “I feel like my hands have been cut off.” In time he found ways to serve his family, friends and colleagues in dogged pursuit of ground breaking medical advancements.

Charles will be remembered and deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

Read his full obituary here.