ABOUT US |
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Tom Moch |
Sylvia McFarland Moch |
| I am the last born child of John (deceased) and Irene Moch. Our family had three boys and three girls. My oldest sister, Annette and oldest brother Jack passed away as a result of Leukemia. My sister Betty Jo and her husband Gus live in the in the Philippine Islands doing God's work building hospitals and orphanages for the underprivileged. They plan to move back to the United States sometime in 2007. My sister Carolyn lives in Arkansas and my brother John lives in Orlando with his wife Cindy, sons Jack, Shane and daughter Jennifer (Apopka, FL).
I was born in Orlando, Florida and within a few short months was demonstrating phenomenal balance. My parents used to balance me, standing erect on my feet in the palm of their hand and walk as I balanced perfectly. Hence I walked at age six months. I'm to one who learned how to walk the walk before I began to talk the talk.
My childhood was normal for a type "A" growing up. I lived in the same neighborhood as a child and have fond memories of these years. I left my parent's home at age seventeen and began to make a life for myself. I love athletics and have been a member of baseball, football, and track teams. I play golf and tennis but prefer water-skiing, scuba diving, martial arts and fishing (is that a sport?).
I picked up a guitar when he was about six years old and played in rock-n-roll bands throughout elementary, junior high, high school and well into my adult life. My parents made certain I understood the value of money and forced me to absorb hard work ethic. Some of my favorite chores were to strip and wax wood floors, clean window panes and screen, mow and trim the lawn, pull weeds, paint the house (interior and exterior) as well as wash dishes, cook and keep the house clean. As I became older I was able to parlay these skills into generating extra money from neighbors.
My first meaningful job was working at Hughes Supply shortly after graduating from high school. I was employed by Hughes when Sylvia and i were married. I've owned a few small businesses and enjoyed a successful career in the technology sector over the past twenty-five plus years.
Friends Growing Up: Brian Watts, Brian Chisholm, Buzz Conroy, Fritz Fedel, Mike Lambert, Bill Jenkins, Jay Raper, Eddie Jones, Chuck Coker, Greg Schmidt, Bob Kukuk, Danny Hunley, David Bartlett, Billy Boyette, Terry Haas, Mike Burdette, Marty Ritchie, Sam Maddox, Rick Emerson, Mark Tyree, Eddie Jones, Frank Hood, Steve Dykes, Mike Jones, Bill Wise, Jimmy Regan, David Watts, Greg Brown, Wes Foy, Larry Maroon, and Donald Mills.
Most Influential Events: There were several events
that affected me one way or another. Meeting Sylvia altered my
life course for the better. I have no confidence I would have accomplished as
much as I have without her guidance and support. It was a privilege to be
with my oldest brother and dad during their last moments. My brother and
dad were two of the finest people on this Earth. Everything good I know
I attribute to them. My memories of them facing death are they did not complain one instant.
I gained My wish is to be as courageous as they were when I face
difficult times and situations in life. |
I am the third child of Charles (deceased) and Aloisia McFarland. I have four brothers and four sisters. The sibling line-up: Bill (deceased), John (deceased), Sylvia, Donna, Diane, James, Mary, David and Charlene. My oldest brother Bill died of an accidental gunshot when he was eight years old. John passed away on September 21, 2007 of an unexpected heart attack.
My father was in the U.S. Army and stationed in the U.S., Germany, Panama, Korea and Vietnam. He relocated his family to Orlando prior to his deployment to Vietnam. I met Tom in 1966 at Stonewall Jackson Junior High School in Orlando, Florida during homeroom class. Even though we were very young we dated for a period of time in the seventh grade.
Then my family moved to Germany in 1968 and we did not return to Florida until 1971. When I returned to Orlando and started attending Colonial High School, Tom and I began dating once again and have been together since.
I enjoy arts and crafts as well as interior decorating. I also have a passion for doll collecting. My collection is very impressive representing some of the first Barbie Dolls to top of the line porcelain creations.
My favorite time of the year is Christmas. I spend months preparing for the holiday. Typically I assemble and decorate a minimum of four Christmas Trees.
I stopped working in 1995 due to personal health issues. A benefit to this personal challenge is I have been able to spend a lot of precious time with my family, Tom's family and our grandsons.
Friends Growing Up: Debbie Anderson, Debbie Yardley, Annette Bates, Jennie Scudder, Sharon Malukiewicz, Ann Jones, Pam Mann, Karen Jenkins, Pam Perry, Gail Benton, David Antignano, Tricia Bailey, Debbie Elder, Rick Emerson, Connie Miller, Francine Perry, Debbie Raby, Terry Reece and Keith Hinkley.
Most Influential Events: I lost my brother "Bill" when I was five years old. I saw my family go through a period of silence because my mother withdrew and the family was no longer whole because there was a part missing. Because my father was in the military, we moved frequently so I learned to adapt and make friends then become sad when we had to move away. I learned everything was temporary. I met Tom in the seventh grade and we began dating in high school. We married a year after high school and have been together since. |