George Moss
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution announces with great sorrow the death of Life Trustee George Kendall Moss on August 5, 2025. George died peacefully with his family at his home in East Hampton, NY. He was 95.
George was born in New York City, NY, on July 23, 1930, to Constance Luft Huhn and David Moss. Mr. Moss grew up in New York City and Locust Valley, NY, with his brother Peter Bayard Moss. He attended Allen-Stevenson School (NYC), Choate School (Wallingford, CT), Valley Forge Military Academy (Valley Forge, PA), and the University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA).
He served in the U. S. Army, three years at the Pentagon in the aviation research unit—which developed the Huey Helicopter (Bell UH-1 Iroquois)—and eight years in the reserves.
In 1956, he married Barbara Anne Buck (Moss), with whom he had two sons, George Farrell Moss and Richard Buck Moss. In 1972, he married Joyce Kempker Leonard (Moss), with whom he lived in New York City, North Haven, ME, and until his death in East Hampton, NY, and Vero Beach, FL.
Among his many interests have been photography, at which he excelled, yachting, manifested best by his favorite PURSUIT, flying, and technology, ranging from computers, cameras, recording, electronics, and video.
He has always had great curiosity and a “do it now” approach to life. At Choate at age 15, he got his pilot’s license. Over the years, he flew various fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
This interest led to his working during summers at Grumman in Long Island, where aircraft were tested. His summers were also spent working at the George W. Luft Company, his family’s pharmaceutical and cosmetic company.
George and his partners, John Colgate and Peter Terian, founded the premier luxury automotive group Rallye Motor Company, from which they sold cars ranging from Acura, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes Benz. Over the years, the company grew as a family-spirited company, and they represented almost every major foreign manufacturer, beginning with Maserati racing cars.
Later in life, he was involved with Ampex, the American electronics company, and also the founding of several audio and video companies: among them Video Techniques, Audio Techniques, and Sync Sound. His interest in technology led him to his involvement as an active Board member for over 35 years with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). At WHOI his most recent initiative has been the founding of the Imaging Lab.
He was a current Member of the Brook, the Maidstone Club, and the River Club, and for many years the Piping Rock Club.
He is survived by his two sons, George Farrell Moss and Richard Buck Moss, his two grandsons George Buck Moss and Oliver Farrell Moss, his beloved wife of 53 years, Joyce Leonard Moss, and was predeceased by his brother, Peter Bayard Moss. All of whom he loved very deeply.
A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, October 21st in New York City.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Imaging Lab.