PHOENIX — A Valley family is mourning the loss of a husband, father, successful businessman, and philanthropist. Brian Mosley died on November 10 due to complications from COVID-19. He was 61 years old.
Jared Mosley, one of his two sons, told ABC15 that his father was his hero. He said he's been taking this time to reflect on his father's life and the impact he had on so many.
"It's been such a fulfilling experience just to understand more fully who my father was and what he did for me and the community and everyone he touched," said Jared. "(He was) a disciplinarian but also a great support system. I couldn't have asked for anything else from a father."
In early November, both parents got COVID-19. His father died a few days later in the hospital. His mother Deborah was fighting for her life but was able to recover. She's been slowly getting back to normal at home.
"I think COVID kind of snuck up on him. He was being safe, wearing a mask, staying socially distant, and next thing you know he had it," he said. "We're very fortunate for her recovery, it would've been traumatizing--even more so--losing both sets of parents."
Brian Mosley worked in pharmaceuticals for two decades and most recently worked with Chick-fil-A marketing and philanthropy projects.
"And just incredibly active with Make a Wish, Toastmasters, anything he could get his hands on in terms of giving back to the community," said Jared.
Jared said he also supported high school athletic programs, helping with recruiting and leadership.
"Just that spirit of looking out and enriching others within the community is something I want everyone to know and leave as his legacy."
Jared said the community has been supportive and helpful, with neighbors leaving food and asking about his mother's recovery.
"My phone, Facebook, and Instagram are filled with stories like 'Here's a time when your dad did this or that. We called him the chief encouragement officer.' Because he was just so positive and optimistic with pushing people beyond their potential to help them grow."
Jared said it's made him feel proud, grateful, and inspired.
"I've never been more motivated to go and try to walk in his footsteps and compete a little bit, but make him proud. Make him proud and represent the family name," he said.
Jared said his family is taking it one day at a time, hoping to heal and honor their father. He said he hopes that sharing his father's story will remind people to take the virus seriously.
"All those numbers and the statistics...obviously all those things are grounded in logic and math, but it's not real until it knocks on your doorstep."
Part of Mosley's legacy is a scholarship fund he created nearly two decades ago in Denver in honor of his parents. The John William Mosley & Edna Wilson Mosley Scholarship Fund helps African American students attend their first year at the college or university of their choice.
The family has created a GoFundMe to raise money for the Denver scholarship fund. You can donate here.