OSWEGO, NY – John R. “Ring” Murray, 94, a long-time resident of Oswego, passed away Saturday December 22, 2012, in Bradenton, Florida.
He was born in Oswego and was the son of the late Peter Harold and Helene Irene Chetney Murray.
Mr. Murray was a graduate of St. Paul’s Academy and Oswego High School.
He attended Oswego State and Buffalo State.
Mr. Murray lettered in basketball at Oswego High School and Oswego State.
He was a graduate of the Columbia Law School.
Mr. Murray operated a private law practice in Oswego for several years until he became Oswego County District Attorney in 1958, a position he held for 12 years.
He was appointed Surrogate Court Judge in 1970 by Gov. Nelson Rockefeller a position he held until his retirement in 1987.
He was past president of the Oswego County Bar Association.
Mr. Murray served in the US Navy during World War II and achieved the rank of lieutenant commander.
He participated in the Normandy Invasion and the Battle of Okinawa.
On June 6, 1944, he commanded a Higgins Boat, the landing craft that was used to ferry the assault troops to the German occupied beaches, Omaha.
He performed the same duty during the invasion of Okinawa in 1945.
The landing craft were transferred to the Pacific after D-DAY.
In 1994, he was awarded a medal by the French government for his service during D-Day.
He was on Saipan in August 1945 training for the possible invasion of Japan.
He was president of Psi Phi Gamma fraternity in 1940 and served as its advisor during the 1950s through ‘60s.
He is survived by one brother, David Murray of Fair Haven; one sister, Diane D’Arcy of Oswego; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Murray was predeceased by two brothers, Paul Murray and James Murray; and a sister, Carol Pendrys.
Funeral services will be held 8:30 a.m. Friday from the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home and at 9 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church.
Burial will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
www.daincullinan.com
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Uncle Ring – I am honored to have had you as my Uncle and Godfather. I have years and years of fond memories of you. Thank you for aways being there. We will all miss your smile and your personality. RIP Uncle Ring. You truly are one-of-a-kind.
Laura & family (Scott, Jerod, Jennah, and Julia)