Edward J. Moore, who rose from street sweeper to chief of the city's sanitation department, died Monday of a brain tumor at his Ellicott City home. He was 99.
The son of Walter Moore, a Baltimore & Ohio Railroad worker, and Stella Grinkavich Moore, a tailor, Edward John Moore was born in Baltimore and raised on Portland Street.
A graduate of Polytechnic Institute, Mr. Moore began working for the city in 1938 as a hokey man, or street sweeper.
He was later named assistant general superintendent of operations for the sanitation department, and in 1971 was appointed chief, in charge of 1,100 employees and 235 vehicles.
During his 44-year career, he earned the title of "Baltimore's Mr. Clean," family members said. He retired in 1982.
The Ellicott City resident was a longtime member of Turf Valley Country Club, where he enjoyed playing golf. He also liked playing gin and traveling.
His wife of 69 years, the former Irene Schaeffer, died in 2004.
Mr. Moore was a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church of the Resurrection, 3175 Paulskirk Drive, Ellicott City, where a Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
Mr. Moore is survived by two daughters, Sandra Moore of Woodstock and Nancy Bevans of Ellicott City; two granddaughters; and a great-granddaughter.