Robert Francis “Bob—aka Red” Murray of Southampton died peacefully in his sleep in his home on Saturday, September 17. He was 98.
He was born in Port Washington and resided in Upper Montclair, New Jersey for 26 years with his wife, Barbara, and family, before moving to Southampton in 1991. He was the son of Irish Immigrants, Robert V. Murray and Mary Carmody Murray.
He was a proud veteran serving in the U.S. Army under General Patton during the Battle of the Bulge. His many military awards include the World War II Victory Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the French Croix de Guerre Medal and the ‘Ruptured Duck’ Medal.
Murray worked in sales his entire career, eventually retiring from Nashua Corporation as one of their top salesmen. He was an avid volunteer. He served 26 active years in the Port Washington Volunteer Fire Department, many as a foreman/captain. During his life, he was a very active member of St. Cassian R.C. Church in Upper Montclair and The Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Southampton. For years, he volunteered at Southampton Hospital, and up until the age of 90 drove the senior citizens bus for the Town of Southampton Senior Center. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was predeceased by his loving wife, Barbara (Waters) Murray; his son, Robert L. Murray; and his sister, Kathleen Murray Elliott.
He is survived by his three sons, Daniel H. Murray and his wife Janet of Vero Beach, Florida, Peter F. Murray and his wife Ann of Poway, California, and Patrick J. Murray and his wife Meg of Chatham, New Jersey; two daughters, Sharon P. Murray and her partner Kari Kristiansen of Rocky Point, and Cathleen M. Black and her husband David of Livingston, New Jersey; 11 grandchildren, Ryan Murray, Jill Draycott, Erin Spencer, Meghann Del Guercio, Thomas Johnson, Shannon, Joseph and Peter (Jake) Murray and Dillon, Haley and Maggie Murray; and five great-grandchildren, Julie Draycott, Michael and Max Murray and Angelo (A.J.) and Cameron Del Guercio; and former daughter-in-law, Jodi James of Massillon, Ohio.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, September 25, at O’Connell-Rothwell Funeral Home in Southampton, from 2-5 p.m. A celebration of the Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 26, at The Basilica of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary in Southampton, with interment at Calverton National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Town of Southampton Senior Center, 25 Ponquogue Avenue, PO Box 974, Hampton Bays, NY, 11946.