Juan Moreno III

The town of Roosevelt and Newburgh, NY is in shock and mourning after the untimely death of Juan Moreno III on June 6, 2023. He was the victim of a vehicular homicide. A cherished community member, Juan was known for his gentle spirit and unwavering commitment to public safety and upholding the law.

Born in Manhasset, NY on September 16, 1971, Juan aspired from a young age to follow in his father's footsteps as a firefighter. As he grew older, he developed a passion for 80’s & 90’s hip-hop music, collecting marvel comic books, model trains and fireman paraphernalia. Juan was also an artist and loved to draw. But most of all he, loved spending time with family and friends.

Juan dedicated nearly two decades of his life to the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation & Historic New York City Region, where he served as a Regional Director, Health and Safety Emergency Manager. His dedication and experience earned him the respect under the leadership of governors George E. Pataki and Andrew Cuomo, who recognized Juan's contributions to public safety and emergency preparedness throughout his career. Including Juan’s conjoining efforts assisting the American Red Cross during 9/11.

In 2007, Juan realized his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter when he joined the Cronomer Valley Fire Department in Newburgh, NY. He quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the department's first African American fire chief. There, he demonstrated unparalleled leadership skills, overseeing firefighting operations, disaster-relief efforts, and personnel management. During his time at Cronomer Valley FD Juan served as Past Director of Orange County Fire Chiefs Association, and member of the Orange County and Hudson Valley Firemen’s Association. He also influenced the implementation of the dive team for the Cronomer Fire Department, an became the ERDI rescue dive instructor. A testament to his love of the open water.

In 2023, Juan graduated from the Florida State Prison Training Institute and became a correctional Officer. Even there, he developed endearing relationships with his coworkers and became a valued employee under the leadership of Warden Donald Davis.

Beyond his work as a firefighter, Juan was an accomplished captain and operator of boats, hosting tours and private events in New York City.

But above all, Juan cherished his family, especially his children. His goal was to plant a seed in each of his children so they could grow to be amazing human beings. In 2017, Fantasia, his oldest, made Juan a grandfather when she gave birth to twin girls Nevi and Nylah. Juan loved spending time with his children, whether fishing with his father and son or deep-sea diving with his daughter Iyanna. He also adored his mother and drove 400 miles every weekend to visit her.

Juan is survived by his parents Juan Moreno Jr. and Gloria Jean Barner-Moreno, his sisters Nita Estelle Fraizer, brother-in-law Brian Fraizer, sister Shana Denise Elizabeth Moreno, his children Fantasia Lamia Moreno, Devin Moreno, and Iyanna Moreno, his granddaughters Miss Nevi Baker and Nylah Baker, and niece and nephews Zachary James Fraizer, Zen Fraizer, and Nadia Lillian Ann Moreno. The town of Roosevelt and Newburgh along with all the communities Juan lived in will never forget his kindness, generosity, and commitment to making the world a safer and better place.