Sunday, February 16, 2014
To the family of Mr. Frank Moricle. I was a student at William Byrd from '57 to '62. While I did not have any classes under Mr. Moricle I knew him by reputation, comments made by fellow students and my observations. Everything about Mr. Moricle said that this was a special person. He was well liked by the student body, both collectively and individually. I never heard anything but compliments about him. I'd like to share a memory that I have carried with me for over 50 years about this man. It never occurred to me that Frank Moricle was only 15 or 16 years older than we students were. He somehow seemed older. He certainly had the bearing of someone of standing and experience. But then there was that day that he was standing in the area between the cafeteria and the little string of classes where they taught typing, etc. He was standing stock still with his right elbow resting on his left arm which was crossed over his chest and his right hand posed with 2 or 3 fingers against his right cheek - a pose I had seen him in many times. As a photographer I even snapped a shot of that pose once in the auditorium. And then. all of a sudden, with a explosion of action he took off running toward the arches evidently having seen something that needed his attention immediately. I have never seen anyone burst into action and then run as fast as he did that day. I was flabbergasted. Someone standing next to me said he had been on the track team when he was in school. My respect (it didn't take much in those days) for him soared upward. I knew him as a gentle, kind, soft spoken teacher - imminently knowledgeable and liked by all his students. Now I see he played football - but that day I saw a side of him I never even suspected. Mr. Frank Moricle, you were a wonderful man and I send my sympathies to your family. I know you will be truly missed.
