John Kenneth “Kenny” Moore

Chesapeake-John Kenneth Moore, affectionately known to family and friends as "Kenny", was born on October 23, 1958, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to the late Aaron Moore Sr. and Margaret Moore. Born and raised in Portsmouth, Kenny graduated from Cradock High School in 1977.

Kenny was the second of five children.  He grew up alongside his siblings: Aaron Moore, Jr. (Mary), Phyllis M. Brown (the late Harvey), the late Lorri Moore, and Eric Moore (the late Julianna).  

For 39 years, Kenny shared his life with his wife, Velma Moore. Family was an important part of Kenny’s life, and he was a proud father to Trina Scippio (Rodney), Shante Spivey (Lamont), and Shawn Moore (Fontara). His legacy continued through his 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Kenny was a hardworking and dedicated man who believed in showing up and doing his job well. For more than 40 years, he worked as an Outside Machinist at Norshipco, later BAE Systems. Kenny genuinely enjoyed going to work and earned the respect of those who worked alongside him throughout his long career. His dedication, strong work ethic, and dependability were simply part of who he was.

Kenny was also a man who appreciated his routine. Whether he had somewhere to be or not, his morning wasn’t quite complete without making his trip to 7-Eleven for a cup of coffee. It was one of those simple traditions that was unmistakably Kenny.  When he wasn’t working or enjoying his coffee, Kenny could often be found cheering for the Chicago Bears, enjoying anything Snoopy, or settling in to watch an old Clint Eastwood movie.

Those who knew Kenny will remember his wonderful sense of humor and a smile that could light up a room. Even while dealing with sickness, he never lost his ability to make the people around him laugh.  And while Kenny might not have cursed you out, those who knew him best also knew that if you annoyed him enough, he had another way of letting you know exactly how he felt—with a certain unmistakable gesture that usually involved his middle finger. That was Kenny: funny, genuine, and always himself.

More than anything, Kenny will be remembered as a hardworking, dedicated family man whose presence left an impression on the people fortunate enough to know and love him. His routines, his humor, his smile, and all the little things that made him uniquely Kenny will be deeply missed.

His memory will forever be treasured by his wife of 39 years, Velma; his children: Trina, Shante, and Shawn, and their spouses; his 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; his surviving siblings; as well as his nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, coworkers, and all whose lives he touched.  Though his presence will be deeply missed, Kenny’s love, laughter, work ethic, and unforgettable personality will live on through the family he loved and the memories they will carry with them always.

A public viewing will be held from 4-6pm on Friday; August 21, 2026 at Fitchett-Mann Funeral Services (Rodgers St.). A funeral service will be held at 1pm on Saturday; August 22, 2026 at Hood Chapel AME Zion Church;  611 Rockingham St.; Norfolk, VA 23523.