Shrewsbury – David James Murray, 90, died Friday, Dec. 4, 2015 at Highgate Nursing & Rehabilitation in Dedham.
A resident of Shrewsbury, Dave was the beloved husband of Mary Jane Murray. He was the devoted father of David Jr. and his wife Linda Pattillo of Atlanta Ga.; Ellen Murray Silvius of Wayland; Marybeth Murray of West Newton; Susan Murray (Barakat) of West Roxbury; and Joan Murray Schulz and her husband David of West Newton. He now joins his beloved youngest daughter, Ann Murray Paige of Davis, Calif., who passed away in March 2014. He is remembered fondly by Ann’s husband, Sandy (Nathaniel) Paige of Davis, Calif. He was the loving grandfather to Tess Murray Stride, Kathryn Anne and Ryan Murray, Ethan Silvius, Michael and Sean Bonomo, Maria and Matthew Barakat, Shannon, David and Bradley Schulz, and Christopher and Ellie Paige, and, as well, the loving great-grandfather to Owen and Audrey Stride.
Dave grew up in Dorchester and graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1943. After spending WWII with the 82nd Airborne, and awarded a Purple Heart for his wounds in Belgium, Dave returned to graduate from Boston College, class of 1950. He returned to military life for a brief period during the Korean conflict and left as a 1st Lieutenant with an honorable discharge.
Dave returned to civilian life and married his wife of 63 years, Mary Jane (née Crowley) in 1952 in Millis. He and his family moved to Shrewsbury in 1960 where he was one of the original members of the St. Mary’s choir, known then as “The Schola.” Beyond church, he was always one to carry a tune in a warm tenor tone around any piano, driving his car, or washing dishes.
When he wasn’t working for Bay West Paper, he could be found on the putting green, or hitting them straight and narrow on the local fairway.
Dave will, above all else, be always known as the man with the quick comebacks, sharp wit, and as a master raconteur. His stories, even when heard for the second or third time always ended with a punch line that brought fits of laughter from the crowd with his own in the mix. He brought a smile to those whom he met and joy in everyone’s heart with his song. Dave’s last moment on earth was singing with great gusto, “God Bless America.” He then found time for his final rest.
Family and friends will honor and remember David’s life by gathering for calling hours Friday, Dec. 11, from 4-8 p.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center. His funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m., in Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. Burial with military honors will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to MGH Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, c/o Howard J. Weinstein, M.D., Mass General Hospital for Children, 55 Fruit St. – Yawkey 8B-8893, Boston, MA 02114, and his daughter Ann’s non-profit breast cancer organization, Project Pink, 245 North Highland Ave., Suite 230-271, Atlanta, GA, 30307.
