By Margie Schernecke
Frank and Margaret Moock both grew up near Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church in Philadelphia. Although they were not parishioners of this church, Gloria Dei held a special place in both of their hearts. Here Margie Moock Schernecke shares stories about her parents and their love for Old Swedes’.
Francis A. Moock (1918-1995)
A Philadelphia sandlot football star from the 1930’s through the ‘60’s was born in Southwark and lived in Queen Village for more than 50 years. Frank began his football career at Southeast Catholic High School where he was honorable mention All Catholic and received a scholarship to La Salle College. He played for a number of semi-pro teams locally including Seymour Athletic Association, the Wilmington Clippers and the Baltimore Bronco’s. In 1984, Frank was inducted into The Pirate Club Varsity Hall of Fame at St. John/Bishop Neumann High School.
During World War II, Frank served in the Navy in the South Pacific. Returning home he attended two National Football League training camps operated by the Philadelphia Eagles and the old Chicago Cardinals. He retired from the U.S. Dept of Labor where he worked as a maritime compliance officer, having started as a stevedore on the waterfront outside Old Swedes’ Church.
He joked with his brother in law when he and his wife selected Old Swedes’ as their final resting place saying, “I started my career at Pier 38 and when we say farewell I will continue enjoying the view of the waterfront from the Old Swedes’ Churchyard.”
Margaret Molony Moock (1919-1990)
Born in Southwark/Queen Village, Margaret’s family originally lived at 15 Christian Street, near Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church. The family moved around the corner to South Front Street where she was born in 1919. Margaret raised two children in that house. She passed away there in 1990.
In 1979, Margaret’s family organized a surprise party for her 60th birthday at Riverside Hall. Margaret said that bringing family and friends back to Old Swedes’ to share this celebration was the best part of her birthday.
Margaret worked at Auerbach’s Children’s Store on South Street for 40 years where she was Manager. She loved working with children. That’s why it is so appropriate for her resting place to be in the neighborhood she loved surrounded by children at the daycare just a few feet away.
Conservation Assessment
Type of Marker: Headstone on base
Material: Granite
Evaluation
Historic Integrity: Intact
Structural Integrity: Excellent
Material Integrity: Excellent
Legible Inscription: Excellent
Marker Details
Inventory Number: 481
Plot Number: 825
Cemetery Section: 10
Orientation: East
Marker Height/Length (in): 36
Marker Width (in): 29.5
Marker Thickness/Depth (in): 8
Hello. Im margaret molony too. Granddaughter of tom molony. I remember my grandmother taking me to auerbach’s many times and visiting the front street home on some Sundays to visit. Your mother called him uncle tommy. My father was norman molony and my aunt was evelyn molony. Just looking for a connection to my old roots. Stay well cousin
Hello Margaret, I’m your cousin Margie Schernecke. I remember your Grandparents Uncle Tom & Aunt Blanche and your parents Norman and Mary and your Aunt Evelyn very well. I still live on Front Street two doors from the home you visited. I would love to share the Molony family history I have with you it’s quite extensive. Best Regards, Margie Moock Schernecke