Paul C. Moschette, 73, of Gettysburg, Pa passed away on January 25, 2022 following an extended illness. He was surrounded in his last days by family and friends who shared their favorite stories and memories, which brought him great comfort, joy, and peace in his final moments.
Paul was born on January 17, 1949 in Long Island, NY to Randolph & Margaret (McDermott) Moschette. Throughout his life, he was an avid storyteller and enthusiastic musician, sharing his passions in life with all whom he encountered. Wherever he roamed, his guitar accompanied him, which came in handy when the chance to perform struck. Paul played in bands and as a solo act up and down the east coast in New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Lancaster and Philadelphia, PA. His repertoire covered classics spanning the decades, but his favorite songs to play for an audience were those specifically requested. He spent a significant time living and performing in Lancaster, PA, and Wildwood and Long Beach Island, New Jersey, where he garnered a loyal fanbase while performing regularly on the Black Whale Party Boat in LBI. His original song “Sunshine on My Mind” was a Jersey shore favorite for years!
With music as one pillar in his life, his faith was another. Paul was a member of Prince of Peace Episcopal Church in Gettysburg PA. He loved his Prince of Peace family and found spiritual encouragement as part of that congregation.
Although not able to be an active participant for several years, Paul was a proud Mason and embodied the Masonic beliefs. Between being a musician and a Mason, he was never without a story to tell or message to spread. Paul was also a dedicated teller of terrible jokes … there was not a bad joke that he didn’t love to share. Repeatedly.
As well, Paul will be fondly remembered as a devoted history buff, with particular focus on the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg. Throughout the last two decades, he lived in the place that held great meaning and gave him the chance to continue exploring a history he was so interested in – Gettysburg, PA. It was not uncommon to find Paul in “The Triangle” (town square) offering little known facts of the town’s history to passersby and playing his guitar. He was a proud member of Gettysburg Historical Trust, the Thaddeus Stevens Society, and other history-preserving organizations.
Paul is survived by his brother, Marc Moschette; his son, Scott Moschette; his daughter, Erica Moschette Staherski and her husband, Tony Staherski; grandsons Quincy, Emmett, and Dax Staherski; and many extended family members and friends all over the country.
Friends and family are respectfully invited to a Memorial Service to be held at First United Methodist Church, 29 E. Walnut St, Lancaster PA 17602 on Saturday, February 5, 2022. Visitation begins at 10AM, with the service to follow at 11AM. Masks are required for those in attendance. Service will be livestreamed at:https://youtu.be/DtXPUZ3-5pI
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Paul’s memory to the Adams County Historical Society, P.O. Box 4325, Gettysburg PA 17325. Or please consider planting a tree in his memory. Paul was very passionate about preserving the land. A tree would make him happy.
Mark Curran
My condolences to Erica and the family. Paul Christopher Moshette will be greatly missed. He brought much light and love to the many he touched.
Carole A. LeMieux
I met Paul in the 7th grade when we attended Memorial Junior High school. That was way back in 1962. He was always one of the nice kids. We attended Walt Whitman High School and graduated in 1967. As the years passed we did not keep in touch. However we did meet up agai at our 20th, 25th, and 40th class reunions.
He was always a pleasure to have as a friend. Thanks to Facebook we had kept in touch for the last 10 years or so. God rest his soul.
Carole A. LeMieux. (Maiden name Melahn if you happen to look in his High School Yearbook.
God Bless
Arno M Apel
Wishing the family my deepest condolences. I am very sadden by the loss of Paul. I had the pleasure of working with him on the Black Whale for many years. He was a good friend, and I will miss him dearly. Though I have not seen him for a long time, we still stayed in touch via Facebook and would speak on the phone a couple of times a year. The last time being only like a month or two ago. I will always remember our last call, and when I am Parkway cruising ,I will always Have Sunshine on My Mind ! Rest in Peace Pal.
Thomas M Dellinger
I loved Paul’s entertainment style, He was a good friend, but I haven’t seen him in years.
Would go to The Travel Lodge to hear him play..
He was a great guy and will be sorely missed..
To Paul’s family you have my deepest sympathy..
Paul your in heaven with no worries and now with another good friend Kibbie..
Rest In Peace
Lori Harvest
My sincere thoughts and prayers for the passing of Paul. He will forever stay in the hearts of those who loved him. I hope knowing others care will bring comfort to Paul’s family who he loved deeply~
Thomas Petrie
Paul was a true American patriot. Met him in Tom Blazers back yard in 1962 or 63. Was singing PT 109 and we all sang along. Always the entertainer through High school. Rest In Peace my friend.
Carole Pfeiffer
So sorry for your loss. Met Paul on the 70’s when he played in our area. We became fast friends and followed him everywhere he played around here and on the Black Whale. We were in constant touch all these years……by mail, phone and e-mail. We will miss him terribly and love him forever!
Cathy Zoccola
I was so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He entertained several generations of my family, a ride on the Black Whale was part of our summer tradition every year on LBI. Such a positive person. Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and may perpetual light shine around him.
Malinda Smith
I never thought that I would have a Best Male Friend, but I found one almost 45 years ago! That man was Paul Christopher and I will miss him tremendously! He was such a giving and caring soul to so many people. My guy, Kibby, and my brother, Tom, would go to the TraveLodge in Lancaster to hear his group play quite often back in the 1980’s and 1990’s. He would always sing my favorite songs and it sounded like he was singing just to me! His voice and personality just blew me away! I tried to keep in touch with him in his later years and even visited his apartment building where he said he had ghosts from Gettysburg ‘s past. I wasn’t really interested in seeing them, but he spoke of them as friendly. He was a great story-teller and was always so upbeat about everything! I remember when he was going to be a Grandpa and he was so excited that he was almost busting at the seams! He was always a champion for the underdog and it is so sad that Covid got to him before he could complete his life’s work—That of entertaining the world with his amazing voice and talent!! Rest in peace, Paul Christopher!! Love you, Linda!!
Lois Vollrath-Mena
To Paul’s Family,
We have so many wonderful memories of Paul that we will treasure. We travelled far and wide to hear
Paul sing and play, and yes, tell bad jokes! But behind the smiling entertainer lay an intelligent, thinking and
caring man. Thank You for sharing Paul with us.
Sincerely,
Lois and Pedro
Connie
Erica, Scott, I am so very sorry about the death of your dad, you have my deepest sympathy. He was a well respected man. We had a wonderful loving relationship for forty years and he will be so greatly missed.
Pat and Lisa
To Paul’s entire family, We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our hearts are with you at this most difficult time. We will always cherish our times together at McDonald’s for music, fun, laughter and friendship. We will miss our lively discussions with Paul on an array of topics. We will remember Paul for his warm heart, kind words, ready smile and the joy he gave by sharing his gift of music with us. Paul, we have been blessed to call you friend. We will remember you with a song in our hearts. Sing with the angels dear friend. Until we meet again. Love, Pat and Lisa
Jenny Stanley (Gestewitz)
My deepest sympathies to all of Paul’s family and friends. Having only just learned of Paul’s passing, I’m still reeling from the news. My friendship, with Paul, spans over 40 + years, a friendship I shall always cherish! A loss that will forever be felt.
RIP my dear friend! ❤️