A tribute to an old friend.

• Author: Katsoris, Constantine N.
• Position: Law teacher William J. Moore - Fordham Law School

How do you say goodbye to a friend? Where do you begin?

I have known Bill Moore for over 30 years--both socially and professionally. I have known his wonderful wife Justine--who loved Fordham as much as Billy. I have taught his daughter and his son-in-law. I met his extended family at a party given a few years ago to celebrate his eightieth birthday. There is no finer family than the Moore family. It is a family full of love and laughter.

I have also known Bill Moore professionally. For years I had the pleasure of sitting on the Admission Committee with two of my closest friends--Professor John Calamari and Dean Moore. It was a diverse committee which blended an Irishman, Italian, and a Greek.

John Calamari was the brilliant scholar, who was soft spoken and compassionate. Bill Moore was the skillful administrator, who was also soft spoken and compassionate. And then there was me. But, we worked well together--with Bill Moore being the most understanding.

In another life, Bill Moore could have easily come back as the director of Boystown. Like Father Flannagan, he felt there was no such thing as a bad kid. Billy was always positive- he would find some good in every applicant. Many a time he would convince John Calamari and myself to give a kid a break. In virtually every case that Bill convinced us to give a kid a break, that young lady or gentleman went on to do credit to themselves and credit to Fordham Law School. Many a graduate of this law school owes their career to Dean Moore's compassion and understanding.

It has been a...