Honoring Moe Veissi

ORLANDO, Fla. — With a heavy heart, we announce the recent passing of 2002 Florida Realtors® President Maurice J. “Moe” Veissi, 78, founder and broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc. in Miami.

Often affectionately referred to as a man of the people, Moe was an advocate for not only Realtors® but consumers as well. During his presidency, he worked to help overturn a proposed sales tax on services in Florida, saying it would “add to the already escalating cost of doing business not only for Realtors but for all Floridians.”

He was named Florida Realtors® 2003 Realtor of the Year for his tireless work advancing the industry at the local, state and national levels. He also had the opportunity to chair most of the association’s committees at various times during his 57-year career. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Moe chaired the Realtors Political Action Committee’s fundraising efforts in 2008, raising an unprecedented $10.3 million in spite of a tough real estate market.

His theme as 2012 National Association of Realtors® president –“Realtors are the heart of the deal” – highlighted the vital role he believed real estate professionals play in transactions and their almost familial bond with clients. As NAR president, he also hosted a weekly video podcast, “Mondays with Moe,” to keep members informed on key political and legislative issues as well as benefits and services available to them. “If more people appreciate what the association is doing for them, I will have done my job,” he said at the time. “We are here to promote the free exchange of real estate in this country and around the world.”

A Miami resident since the age of two, when his parents relocated the family from Illinois, Moe took great pride in his city, often saying, “There’s no better place in the world. I love it here.” This pride was mirrored in his unwavering commitment to community service and supporting those in need. At the local level, he served as the 1981 president of what was then known as the Realtor® Association of Greater Miami and The Beaches, and was twice appointed economic development chairman by the City of Coral Gables. He coached several youth sports teams, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Camillus House for the Homeless and the Athletic Committee of Columbus High School, and founded Florida Realtors Silent Angels Charitable Foundation, which provides support to individuals working to rebuild their lives.

Veissi’s son Maurice remembered his father as a “man of the people, a player’s coach, a father to many and a friend to all.” He practiced patience and grace in his daily life, Maurice Veissi said.

“He was well known for his speaking abilities, charisma, and big heart. He led with grace, he spoke with conviction, he was approachable and was kindhearted,” Maurice said. “Moe Veissi loved three things in this life more than anything. He loved his real estate profession. He gave everything he had and more to being a Realtor. He loved coaching whether it was sports, real estate or life. Lastly if you knew my father he loved his family. His family was his reason.”

Through his extensive service and visionary leadership, Moe’s legacy will continue to inspire and influence the real estate industry for generations to come. We extend our deepest sympathy to Moe’s wife of 52 years, Matey, and to their sons, Mallory and Maurice Jr.

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