Obituary of Christopher J. Murray

Christopher J. Murray, Jr., a loving husband and father, passed away on September 26, 2018 after a brief illness. He was 93 years old. Christopher was born in Memphis Tennessee. He was one of 2 sons born to Christopher and Margaret Murray. His father was a career military serviceman serving in the Army Corps of Engineers and they made their homes in Tennessee, Florida, Alabama and Rhode Island. Chris graduated from high school in Providence, Rhode Island and was attending University of Rhode Island when he was inducted into the Army during WW II. He served in Northern France, Central Europe, and the Rhineland. He was captured and was a prisoner of war in Germany. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, European Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was proud to serve his country, but kept his war experiences to himself and seldom shared stories. Chris went on to complete his engineering degree from the University of Rhode Island after the war. He spent the first half of his career at the George A. Fuller Company as the on-site construction engineer. The latter half of his career was spent at Vappi & Company as the inside project manager. As a civil engineer and project manager he worked on new construction and redevelopment involving hospitals, hotels, and numerous other commercial developments. Chris approached his career in the same organized and systematic manner that he used in his personal life. Chris met his future wife, Mary Leonard, at a dance at a boat club on the Charles River. They married in 1951 and have spent the past 67 years sharing their love and raising a family. After retirement, they spent several years traveling around the United States and parts of Europe. In their later retirement years, they split their time wintering in Florida and summering in New England. As a father, Chris, wanted to give his children a strong foundation to build upon. He encouraged them to set goals, further their educations, work hard at whatever you do, and always place your family first. He shared the love of water with his family with summer vacations on the Cape and lakes of New Hampshire, or sailing on his boat the “SeaJay”. He loved sailing off the coast of Boston with his wife as navigator, and only ran aground when he didn’t listen to her advice or direction. He took up skiing in his 40’s, because it was a sport he could share with his children. He was a recreational golfer, who managed to get 3 “holes in one” during his golfing days. He loved when he became “Grandpa”. Chris was a wonderful role model to his family and his memory will always remain in their hearts and minds. Chris was the beloved husband of 67 years to Mary (Leonard) Murray. He was the loving father of Patricia Krebs & her husband Howard of Derry, NH, Michael Murray of Newton, Kathleen Burke & her husband Robert of Andover, Mary Elizabeth Hayes & her husband Jack of Winchester and the late Christopher J. Murray, III. He was the proud grandfather of Julia & Christopher Krebs, Conor, Caitlin, Devin & Rory Burke and Patrick, Jaclyn & Daniel Hayes. He was predeceased by his brother; James Murray. A visiting hour will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Friday, Sept 28 from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 11 a.m. Interment to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury.