From the moment Neal Isaiah Moore was born, his grandmother had a feeling about him, and it’s right there in his middle name.
They decided his first name would be his father’s but with a different spelling. But Isaiah was chosen for the middle name because she said he was a prophet. As a child, said his father Neel Crowmartie, Little Neal would always cry but the older he got, he outgrew crying and turned that cry into an infectious laugh that one would find themselves laughing at.
Neal grew into an understanding and non-judgmental gentle giant with an affectionate smile. He loved music and learning from the ole’ heads, ‘kicking it’ with friends, and most of all being a devoted, caring, loving father to daughters Bella and Amora and doting uncle to Kash.
But he didn’t get to see them grow up. On May 24, 2023, he was shot several times in West Oak Lane on 67th Avenue near 15th Street.
“If you knew Neal, you undoubtedly loved him and his uniqueness,” Rose said. “When he ate, you ate; whatever he had you also had.”
Aside from Philadelphia, Zeek had roots in Orlando, Florida where he spent most summers and some of his adolescent years. While in Orlando, he grew close relationships with his family members and they continued to keep in touch once he returned back to Philadelphia. Neal always said that although they were miles apart they were close.
His mother, Rose Moore, said he was excited he to finally be off probation and was making plans to come to Orlando to work with her in the hospitality industry as a chef. “He loved cooking and he wanted to meet some of the industry celebrities we cater for at the concerts.”
He was known throughout the city as “Zeek” or “Freaky Zeeky” and loved being called by his nicknames. Whenever someone called him his response would be “Yoooo” or “Yuuuup.”
Zeek was a proud, dedicated hands-on father who was deeply involved in raising his children and nephew each day. He was very respectful and held a special place in his heart and life for the elderly. He was known for completing odd jobs for them that people could no longer do themselves—and with a smile to boot. Zeek had a way of turning any situation into a good time embodied with laughter.
Zeek’s sister, Shanae Moore, said her brother was her first friend. “The bond between siblings is something special not easily broken. Imagine an unconditional love followed up by respect and endless amounts of support.”
He was there to correct her when she was wrong, and called him her personal referee who taught her the value of a dollar and how to create a relationship with money.
“This has to be one of my biggest lessons ever. Wealth isn’t about how much money you have, but how many lessons you had to go through to create a cycle of abundance. Respect the money, don’t allow it to disrespect you. This is what my big brother used to say.”
“He was truly amazing. For that I’ll forever be grateful because I am my brother’s keeper.”
But the family knows they will struggle for a long time.
“To lose my only child, my son, is heart aching,” said Rose. “I miss the Face timing we shared whenever we wanted or needed to talk.”
A reward of up to $20,000 if available to anyone that comes forward with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for this murder. Anonymous calls can be submitted by calling the Citizens Crime Commission at 215-546-TIPS. Information can also be submitted to the Philadelphia Police Department online or by calling 215-686-TIPS.
Resources are available for people and communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Click here for more information.
