Obituary of Donald F. Murray

Donald Francis Murray, age 86, a Youngstown resident since 1968, passed away after a short illness on Saturday February 8, 2014 in Niagara Hospice House in Lockport. Donald was born March 23, 1927 in Buffalo, NY, the son of the late John and Virginia (Seeger) Murray. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Donald served as a Quartermaster Third Class in the U.S. Coast Guard from January 1945 to May of 1946. He was the recipient of the American Theatre Ribbon, the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon, and the WW II Victory Medal. In December of 1949 Donald entered in the service of the U.S. Navy and served until his honorable discharge in December of 1953. Donald attended Erie County Community College, where he received his Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering, and the University of Buffalo. He enjoyed a 47 years career with Niagara Mohawk, retiring as a Superintendent of Planning in 1985. Donald was a long standing member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, maintaining his status long after his retirement. Donald was a devout member of St. Bernard's RC Church in Youngstown. He attended daily mass and was the Sacristan and led the daily Rosary and Chaplet for over 15 years. He was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Adoration Group at St. Bernard's for over 30 years. Donald received the "St. Joseph the Worker" award and served on the Board of Directors for the Buffalo Chapter of the Association for the Blind. He is survived by his devoted loving wife of 60 years, Helen (Novo) Murray; his daughters, Anne Marie Murray and Mary Ellen Murray (Tim Young) both of Long Beach, CA; three sisters, Patricia (late Michael) McNulty, Kathleen (late Raymond) Schraft, and Virginia Murray; two brothers, Lawrence (late Ruth) Murray and Paul (Teddy) Murray; three sisters in law, Kitty, Arlene and JoAnne Murray; many nieces, nephews, and a gazillion extended family members. He was predeceased by a son, Timothy Donald Murray, a sister, Mary (late Langdon) Eitel; and four brothers, John (late Erma), Fred, Daniel, and Roger Murray. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston on Tuesday from 7 - 9 PM and Wednesday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 13, at 10:00 AM in St. Bernard's RC Church, Hinman & Second Sts., Youngstown, with the Rev. Msgr. Thomas Moran officiating. (Please assemble at Church). Military Honors will follow the Mass. Entombment will be in St. Peter and Paul's RC Cemetery in Williamsville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094 "Raise a Glass" .