The Paul and Kretia Mosher Fund: A Legacy of Generosity and Leadership
The Paul and Kretia Mosher Fund was established in 2024 to be used for grants to organizations providing facilities and/or services to children and youth of San Diego County. The fund, which will sunset in 10 years, reflects Paul and Kretia Mosher’s longstanding commitment to supporting the next generation.
Paul Mosher was an integral part of The Parker Foundation’s history, joining the Board of Directors in 1993 and serving with distinction for decades. Later named Director Emeritus, Paul’s contributions over the years played a key role in shaping the Foundation’s mission and impact. His leadership, wisdom, and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on our organization.
The Parker Foundation was deeply saddened by Paul’s passing in June of 2026. His generosity, thoughtful leadership, and dedication to philanthropy left a lasting impact on the Foundation and the San Diego community. Through the Paul and Kretia Mosher Fund, his legacy of service and commitment to future generations will continue for years to come.
Reflecting on his time with The Parker Foundation, Paul shared that serving on the Board was an educational journey in philanthropy, opening his eyes to the many incredible organizations working tirelessly across our region. The hands-on experiences, including site visits, allowed him to learn and grow alongside our partners, a testament to his belief in the importance of understanding the work behind the causes we support.
The Moshers’ generosity through this fund embodies the spirit of The Parker Foundation, and we remain committed to furthering the work they championed with such dedication. We look forward to celebrating the many successes this fund will make possible in the years to come.
We are deeply grateful to Paul and Kretia for their extraordinary generosity and dedication. Their legacy will continue to inspire and benefit future generations.
About the Moshers
Paul Francis Mosher was born and raised in Revere, Massachusetts, graduated from Boston Latin School and matriculated to MIT, where he earned a degree in chemical engineering. He began his career at Shell Chemical just outside Houston, Texas, where he met and married his first wife, Wanda Wood. Next, he spent five years with American Latex Fiber in Lawrence, Massachusetts. His path then led him to Kelco Company, where he served in various technical sales, marketing, and management roles. After Kelco was acquired by Merck & Co. in 1972, Paul continued to rise within the company, especially by building its international operations from a minuscule portion to about half the business when he retired as President in 1993.
Following his retirement, Paul dedicated himself to serving on philanthropic boards in San Diego, especially Alzheimer’s San Diego and the San Diego Museum of Art, where he was a Trustee for almost 30 years, retiring in 2018. After Paul’s beloved first wife died from the effects of Alzheimer’s, Paul and Kretia met, fell in love, and were married in 2014.
Kretia Jene Mosher was born in Gilman City, Missouri and moved to San Diego at a young age, grew up in Point Loma, graduated high school there and went to Pepperdine University. She had two daughters, was divorced, raised a grandson and began her business career at the clerical level, rose through several companies into human relations and spent her most fruitful years with Manpower San Diego.