WILMINGTON — Ian Roderick Moseley passed away peacefully on October 4, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones and definitely on his own terms. Ian was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on February 1, 1967, to the late James L Moseley and Sandra “Sam” (Stewart) Moseley.
Ian never met a stranger and always made friends wherever he went. After high school in Oak Park, Illinois, one of those places was Key West, Florida. It was there that he met many lifelong friends and his former wife, Tanya Wildman.
His years in Key West cultivated his desire to move to downtown Wilmington in 1994 and open The Wave Hog Saloon. Ian was an icon and a pioneer of what was to become a thriving downtown. He truly had a vision of what downtown could become — he saw the area as a diamond in the rough.
In Wilmington, Ian spotted a golden opportunity: an historic port city and a college town that could coalesce into something unique. He saw the need for inclusivity and growth and that is what fueled him to spend 28 years as an integral part of the thriving downtown business district. He founded many successful businesses, including Slice of Life Pizzeria, Level 5 bar and City Stage Theater, as well as Fibber McGee’s, YoSake, The Husk, Dram and Morsel and, most recently, The Ivey.
One of Ian’s many passions was the Wilmington theater community. In partnership with local friends and thespians, he formed a theater company in 1999 that lasted until 2016. During that time, he produced more than 100 plays at City Stage and Thalian Hall. Ian loved musical theater and plays, including a favorite holiday classic, David Sedaris’ “Santaland Diaries.”
Nostalgia is Ian.
Everyone who met Ian instantly noticed his bright blue eyes and engaging personality. If you were a server, you knew that he loved a great chicken wing! When out to dinner with him, he went straight for the most expensive dish on the menu.
He loved travel and experiencing new places, and visiting his family in Troon, Scotland. He could always locate the best casino, cultivate the greatest playlist, and find a way to slip into a conversation that he was the fastest oyster shucker at the annual Oyster Shucking Contest in Key West.
Ian was grateful to receive a kidney and liver transplant in 2017. He got the call he was a match on his son Aidan’s birthday and was beyond blessed to have “Team Moseley,” which included Landon Fauber, Tanya Wildman and Justin Smith, who stood by his side during the successful transplant process.
Unfortunately, earlier this year he needed another kidney, which led to complications and resulted in a prolonged hospital stay. His doctors and nurses said they have never seen a fighter like Ian. In true Ian fashion, he charmed many of the nurses during his time in the hospital. A special thank you to Susan McGinnis and the palliative care team with Lower Cape Fear Lifecare.
Ian felt his greatest accomplishment was his son Aidan, who he loved so very much. He enjoyed being a part of Aidan’s soccer experience, watching almost any sport together, and taking in a round of golf. He was extremely proud of his son when he went off to Appalachian State University this fall.
Ian is survived by his son, Aidan Moseley, and former wife Tanya Wildman, step mother Lynn Intrepidi, siblings James (Kristen) Moseley, Jessica Matteson, Mathew Moseley, Erin (Andrew) Ecker, and nephews Jimmy Moseley, Jack Moseley, Jack Ecker, Sam Ecker, and Rhys Ecker, and his beloved girlfriend Landon Fauber and their dog, Keeper. Ian was part of a huge extended family, including his beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins in America and Scotland. He also leaves behind numerous friends and family friends Gwendolyn Johnsen and Bekah Smith.
If you knew Ian, you knew him as a friend. He was a lover, not a fighter (though he could throw a mean punch) and he loved this town. He was a pioneer for progressive change in the service industry and always had a smile on his face. He was loved and he is missed by many.
Rest easy, friend.
Ian’s Celebration of Life/Going Away Party will be held October 17, 2022, noon, at Bakery 105, 105 Orange St. A reception will follow.
Ian wanted nothing more than to provide for Aidan’s college education, so the family is asking In lieu of flowers, please, consider a donation in Ian’s memory to Aidan’s 529 Plan for college. Click here to donate to the Ian Moseley Memorial College Fund for Aidan. If you would prefer, Ian also would have loved for you to donate a pint of blood or sign up for organ donation in his memory.
