TO the Murray Family,
Iam so late in offering my condolence.
Please fogive me. My ninety years years surely have slowed me down.
I feel privileged to have been present at Dr. Murray's funeral.
It was a tribute he truly deserved .
I served as Clinical Nurse in the Division OF Plastic Surgery at the Brigham under Dr Murray's leadership.
It was an honor.We all know he was a gifted surgeon. However ,the kindness and consideration with which he treated his patients was very, very special. I am thankful to have had the privilege.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Catherine (KAY) Peiffer
\
I was a 17 year old patient of Dr. Murray in 1968. It was with my parents love and insight and Dr. Murray's skill and compassionate care my life was changed forever after Dr. Murray performed a new surgical procedure on my jaw.
It was complicated and there were times Dr. Murray met me for a weekend appointment at Wellesley hospital as I was a college student living a distance away. He was my strength and my hero always. I felt so very proud to have been his patient over the years while reading of his many accomplishments. I wrote him a letter and he remembered clearly who I was and wrote back a letter that once again reflected the compassionate man that he was.
This past Thanksgiving weekend my daughter was visiting and reminded me of the man I had told her about years before who helped me find the gift of self confidence after my surgery.
I decided to write him a note as I knew he must be getting on in years to once again thank him for his gift. I felt so deeply saddened to read that he had just passed. I am so very sorry.
So I write this note not to my beloved Doctor Murray but to his family to say thank you.
May the Lord bless you all and may all your precious memories carry you through at this very sad time. He will always be loved.
Dr. Murray, I would not be here today if it were not for you. My life came after my father's transplant in 1963. I was born in 1970. Thank you for my life and the life of my children and the future generations to come.
Pam Knight, daughter of Don Messinger
So sorry for the loss of MR.MURRAY,my sincere sympathy to you.(matt.5:9) let's us know that "Happy are the peaceable,since they wii be called sons of God."......~
Like an "Intellectual Tide",Dr.Murray lifted all "Boats".These "Boats" now stand on his broad shoulders.
There are individuals who enrich peoples's lives and leave the world a far better place because of their dedication, willingness to reach beyond the standard and brilliance to envision the future. Dr Joseph Murray was a man who left humanity and all those he touched better off, because of his far reaching talents, brilliant mind and deep compassion. May we have the fortune to see more like him.
december 1 Condolence and High School baseball together,as wells as some tennis.Joe was a great first baseman,and a good friend ,and I was not surprised by his later accomplishments. Frnk Berry M.D. Los Altos,Ca
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of this brilliant man who was as kind, compassionate and humble as he was smart. I had my first transplant at the old Peter Bent Brigham and my second one in 2002. His genius allowed me to become a mother and a grandmother. My husband and my daughters will be eternally grateful to him. Our deepest sympathies to all of you.
Tom and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. What a tremendous life and legacy to carry on. God Bless, Duncan Ross
I'm so thankful for his willingness to do transplant operations for I'm a wife of a kidney pancreas patient of 15 yrs and he is the love of my life. I'm so sorry at this time for your family and know he passed after doing many good deeds. God bless your family.
There's a hole in the world today! A large hole left by the passing of Doctor Murray.We who had the privilege of knowing this extraordinary person shall miss his ever present positive attitude and sunny disposition. It seems he never had a" bad day".
We're sure that God has a special place reserved for one of his most special humans while we are left with the pleasant memories of having known him. It's small consolation for the hole in our world he leaves.
Rest in a PEACE well earned and richly deserved.
Dr Murray was my doctor when I was just a little girl..He was so kind and tenderhearted, I never felt afraid. I had a recurring hematoma, followed by several procedures for skin grafting. My last procedure was when I was 16. I wrote him a letter as an adult to express my gratitude and affection. He was one of my childhood hero's. I am sure we will all see him again in a better, happier place called heaven. I am sorry for your loss, those closest to him. He accomplished and fulfilled his purpose here. I feel blessed that he took care of me.
Hello to the Murray family. I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I have such fond memories of playing together in our neighborhood when we were growing up. My condolences to all.
It is with profound gratitude I say "Thanks Dr. Joe Murray for what you gave to me and my four children. You gave me my husband who was then 29 yrs. old in l963 thirty-two added years of life. He was able to see his children grow up. You were not only a fine surgeon you were also a friend and mentor to our family. Farewell fine man. We will never forget."
The life Dr. Murray lived was truly ordained! He made life better for so many. I thank him for opening the doors for transplantation!
I worked for a short time at Children's Hospital during the 1980s and came to know of Dr. Murray's marvelous work with young patients. The wonders he performed are far beyond my poor powers to describe. Countless lives have been saved or made better by Dr. Joseph Murray. He has certainly already heard the Lord's greeting, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” My condolences to my former Boston Globe colleague Meg and the entire Murray family.
Joe Murray was a compassionate Renaissance physician. His work benefited many thousands of patients, yet he had no arrogance, bravado or false pride about it. He constantly acknowledged and credited his partner Bobbi who, with wisdom and love, kept him grounded and oriented towards his life's ambition.
He was also a gentleman who treated everyone whether patient, colleague or shopkeeper with kindness and courtesy. He literally "walked with kings nor lost the common touch.
He was not just a physician, he was a Catholic physician, a loyal member and staunch supporter of the Guild of St. Luke of Catholic Physicians in the Boston Archdiocese.
Those of us honored to have known him and to have worked with him will see that his legacy does not die with him as he will be a paradigm for virtue for physicians of the future.
To The Murray Family
I did not know Dr. Murray but what an incredible talent he had to transplant organs and to give individual an opportunity to lived longer. Isaiah 33: 24 tells us “No resident will say I am sick.” in the near future we will not have to face sickness anymore. Nevertheless Dr. Murray's talent was incredible.
What can we say now that Dr. Murray has left us?
He was more than a Nobel laureate, he was our sons lifeline for many years, living longer than expected because of the great humanity of this skillfull and honorable surgeon. He fought for our sons life, only to lose him at the age of seventeen.
Now heartbroken, he helped our family, and we are lucky to have called him 'friend' throughout the last thirty years. Godspeed, Dr. Murray, you very best of men.
The Wint family, Colorado.
Rest in Eternal Peace, Dr.Murray. You have truly been such an inspiration and blessing to so many while you were on this Earth.
In deepest sympathy, Penny Valentine,Hingham,Mass.
The loss of Dr. Murray makes the world a lesser place.He took care of my son[a burn patient]he was always kind,gentle and caring about his patients needs whatever they were.We are honored and privileged to have known him.God bless his beautiful soul and his families
Sally Kettell Boston, Ma.
I was fortunate enough to meet Joe Murray a decade or more ago, coincident to publication of his autobiography, and subsequently have enjoyed and profited from his company on several occasions, including the centennial of the Nobel Prizes in Stockholm. His was a uniquely warm, welcoming, totally informed personality. A projection of his faith. He will be sorely missed by a multitude of friends and acquaintances. My condolences to Bobby and his extended family
Thank You, Dr. Murray, for your work in kidney transplantation. I am a pending kidney transplant patient, awaiting to receive a kidney from my sister. We grew up in Wellesley and all 4 of us attended Wellesley Senior High. I am now employed by the City of Las Vegas. My sister is employed by SAS Institute in Chapel Hill, NC. So very sorry for your loss, but you made great contributions to humanity while you were here. Rest In Peace. Robert M. Agnew, GISP.
Thank You for saving my dad, Stanley Williams with a kidney transplant. We are forever grateful!
Thank you for persevering to make transplants work. My daughter is a heart transplant recipient and we owe the world to Dr. Murray's dedication, creativity and compassion. His legacy will live on in all current and future transplant patients. Thank you.
My heartfelt condolences in these difficult times. Hos teachings will be with me forever Sincerely Stefan Preuss M.D.
Cleft Repair on me 1953, CHMC. My mother loved him!! Me too!!!
While I never met Dr. Murray, his work with living donor transplants allowed my brother to donte a kidney to me 8 years ago. I am so grateful for his life, and his lifelong dedication to his work. Thank you Dr. Murrary. Rest in a well earned peace.
an American Hero
God Bless you
Dr Murray was my Surgeon at Childen's Hospital many years ago for Facial Cranial Clinic with Dr Swanson can't say enough great things about those two Dr's . RIP Dr.Murray
The Messing Family sends their sincere condolences to The Murray Family on the loss of your dear father.
My sincere condolences to the Murray Family. Dr. Murray certainly had the vision and toughness to continue his work in transplants that do so much for many. He will certainly be missed. May the Creator the God of all comfort be a help readily to be found during this time. Psalm 46:1
Sincere condolences to Dr. Joseph. Murry family. "The living are couscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all.' Eccl. 9:5.
Dr. Murray and family, thank you for such a service. I was over taken by your story that you always gave thanks to your creator every day first thing, HE never forsakes us, even in death. HE gifted you so much with a talent that you could be a servant for HIS people here on this earth...I don't know you or your family but I salute you and thank you...now it is your time to just rest and enjoy the KING....God Bless the family and that HE comforts you..and gives you peace....he will be just fine now..........
Just someone that cares...
"Dottie"
I had the pleasure to work as a nurse with Dr Murray at BWH. He showed much respect to RNs and had great concerns for his patients even after he had returned to Children's Hospital
He is in Heaven now.Thank You Dr.Murray.
June 13, 1958 Dr. Murray led the team that performed the transplant on Henry and James Ray. Identical twins originally from NC, but living in Milwaukee. This was the 8th kidney transplant. My father (James) lived for 5 years, married, and had me in 1960. Without the vision, courage, and wisdom the good Lord gave him, partnered with the willingness of my Uncle Henry, my father would not have survived beyond 1958. He was on his deathbed when they arrived in Boston. [Uncle] Henry Ray, his family, James Michael (my son), my Mother, and I had the incredible opportunity to return to Boston for the 50th anniversary of that transplant. We enjoyed meeting and spending time with this wonderful man [Dr. Murray],his beautiful wife, and lovely daughter. Memories of that trip will live on in us all. Because if this talented, brave, and Godly man - there are two more generations to celebrate life. (me and my son James Michael)
My deepest sympathies to the Murray family.
Beverly Ray Walton-Weber, Raleigh, NC
I am so grateful for the work and dedication of Dr. Murray. I received a kidney from my brother in 2001, and it has never had any type of rejection. That is a miracle of God.
Our prayers are with the family during this time. May God bless you with His peace that passes all understanding.
Dr. Murray was a precious man. I am the granddaughter of Edith Helm, one of Dr. Murray's earliest transplant patients. If it were not for his extraordinary work, my grandma would not have been able to live the life that she did and her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids would not be here. Thank you, Dr. Murray, for all that you did for this world. You will be greatly missed!
I never had the pleasure of knowing Dr Murray, but my parents spoke very highly of him - he and my father were college roommates at Holy Cross! My mother was in a horrible car accident when I was a baby and he performed extensive plastic surgery on her face. What an incredible legacy he has left behind! Thank-you, Dr Murray
Dr Murray was a great doctor and person. He operated on my daughter several times for tumors. He never got tired of answering all my questions. He always had time for us and he was always kind and thoughful. Kim was only 7 years old when he performed the first operation. She is now 50 and still remembers him as a very special person in her life. Thank god for people like him.
As a transplant recipient, I am so grateful for Dr. Murray's passion and vision and his many accomplishments
Dr. Murray performed two kidney transplants on my mother, Marjorie Johnson in 1965 and in 1967. She lived 7 years. I am eternally grateful for that time. He was a compassionate and wonderful man. Kimberly (Johnson) Davis Auburn, MA.
To the family of Dr. Murray. I want to thank him for his contribution to medical science. I am a kidney recipient and I would not have any kind of life now without his brilliant work. God bless you and family and please accept my sympathy for your loss.
Although I never met Dr Murray, I am so grateful for his pioneering work in organ transplantation. I am the third member of my family to undergo a successful kidney transplant. Thank you for your dedication to improving medicine and patient care.
Bobby and Ginny
I was so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He is a hero for us all.
Fondly, Cynthia K
What an amazing man. How fortunate for us all that he chose the medical profession. He has left an amazing legacy.
To the Murray Family,
Dr. Murray was not only my doctor, he was a member of my family. He was always there for us. He saved my life when noone else could. We corresponded over the years and he will be missed very much. The Murray family was so fortunate to have a man like him. I will never forget him.
I met Dr. Murray during his daily walks along the Fuller Brook Path where I also navigated my scooter to exercise my late service dog. I never knew him to be the famous Nobel Laureate but as a kind man who took an interest in nature and my service dog. I will miss his humility and greetings along what is known as the Brook Path here in Wellesley. Godspeed Dr. Murray!
Dr. Murray was a special person. He was the most compassionate dr. That I've ever had. I owe him so much for all the work that he did on me. I never had to worry about any surgery as I knew that I was his most capable hands.
I am the father of a 14 year old girl who received a kidney transplant 8 years ago. If not for the accomplishments of Dr. Murray, who knows if my daughter would be here with us today. Thank you Dr. Murray for everything you've done for my family and so many others. You will not be forgotten.
Ginny and Family, So sorry to hear of Dr. Murray's passing. It was a pleasure and an honor to have had met him on Chappy, also to have had dinner and attended Mass with him that same weekend. Harry and I enjoyed being with Dr. Murray and your Mom. He was a wonderful humanitarian, father, grandfather and friend. Bless you all, Harry & Pat Aaron, Westwood, Ma.
In 1979 at the age of 21 I was in an auto accident where I crushed every bone in my face. Dr. Murray and the Cranio Facial Clinic performed a surgery lasting 23 hours to put my face back together. along with clinic visits and further surgery I got to know Dr. Murray. He was a very kind, gentile, unassuming man who always put his patients first. I will be forever in his debt. I graduated college have, to sons and a career thanks to him and his unselflish work. God Bless Him and his family and may his family know just how many lives he has touched
Thank You for supporting him
I know he made an immense difference in my and my families life
Dr. Murray was my beloved "Uncle Joey", my late Dad`s brother; he was a great man and humanitarian; his life was fulfulling in love and service to his family and fellow man; may he now rest in peace for the ages.
dr murray gave me a new life.I knew him as a plastic surgeon who reconstructed my face. I suffered with crouzons syndrome. raises in a poverty stricken single parent home. I will be forever grateful for his ingenious mind and compasion. My sincere condolences to the family and the word for the loss of this wonderful man.
I received a transplant performed by Dr. Murray in 1964. I was fourteen years old at the time. I'm now 62 years old. I've always thanked Dr. Murray and prayed for him. He was an exeptional physician. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. God Bless You.
With Deepest Sympathy and Gratitude
MaryEllen Lynch
Tucson, AZ
I had the privilege of being Dr. Murray's personal fitness trainer after his retirement. Besides his brilliance, he was a wonderful human being - a rare combination - and will be greatly missed.
My condolences to Bobby and the rest of his family.
Leonie Bronwyn Foy
My deepest condolences to the Murray family. May God give you comfort in your time of grief.
Jem. Florida
A wonderful human being who contributed in countless ways the fields of surgery and transplantation. We will not forget you. Dr. S, Baltimore, MD
Thanks for what you were able to do to help so many who never met you. To your family, may God keep you in his care. With deepest sympathy and prayers.
John and I will be thinking of the Murray clan this week and send our love and prayers.
I had my kidney transplant 6 years ago. Thank you for what you have done for me and others. Because of you I have my life back. May God bless you and your family. You are my hero.
To the Family of Dr. Murray,
"May the God who gives peace be with all of you."
(Romans 15:33)
Sorry for your loss.
The book "Beyond Recognition" highlights many of Dr. Murray's accomplishments. ("Camel Red" with 52 photographs added). Millions will live longer lives because of his contributions to the field of medicine. He was a great physician, a fine man, a bright spirit and inspiration to us all. We will miss him dearly.
Many of his accomplishments were highlighted in the book "Beyond Recognition" ("Camel Red" w/ 52 photographs) Millions of lives will be saved because of the work of this outstanding contributor to the field of medicine. Dr. Murray was a fine man as well as a great physician.
God bless you and your family. I had my kidney transplant back in 1974 at C.H.M.C. Thank You for giving me my new life. You will be missed.
I first met Dr Murray and his two siblings when their mother was honored in the Massachusetts Senate in the early 1970s for her 50-year membership on the Democratic State Committee. He was fine man as well as a very gifted surgeon. The painting which greets visitors to the Countway Library at Harvard Medical School is an exciting reminder of that first kidney transplant surgery 58 years ago.
Dr. Murray performed reconstructive surgery on me. He was a wonderful, compassionate man. RIP, Doctor Murray. Kathy (MA)
Dr. Murray changed many people's lives for the better through his surgery, and his legacy will continue through the surgical residents he trained and the students he influenced. I was one of those students who spent time with Dr. Murray for parts of two years 1978-1980 observing his complex operations at the Children's Hospital with the assistance of Dr. Mulliken and Dr. Kaban. This singular influence allowed me to pursue a Head and Neck surgical career without any doubt or second guess. I attended the 25th anniversary celebration of the kindey transplant at harvard Med school and was indeed please to see the Nobel Prize awarded to a man whose work saved countless people. My prayers to the entire Murray family and a confirmation that his legacy will be timeless.
His work lives on! My brother, a father of 3, received one of my kidneys. A thank you and best wishes to the entire Murray family.
To Dr. Murray's family
I am sorry to hear of Dr Murray's passing but have to say Thank you from the bottom of my heart for his work in Kidney Transplantation. If it where not for Dr. Murray I would not be here today. So as we mourn the passing of such a great man, we must remember all the good he did. He will be dearly missed by all of us who have received Kidney transplants.
I was patient of Dr. Murray's for many years through my childhood. I was always happy to see him and he always seemed happy to see me. Like my parents he always encouraged me to do anything I wanted and not let my surgeries hold me back. He had a major influence on who I am today. I will not forget that.
This sad occasion of Dr. "Joeshp" Murray's departure brings back fond memories. I wish Dr. Murray's daughter, Virginia, and all her family and friends comfort and peace in this time of grief. Tom Ripley
If not for Dr. Murray's pioneering work with kidney transplants, I would not be the long term beneficiary of such a transplant for 26 years.
I am so grateful for this gift of life and will always honor Dr. Murray's memory. He was truly a great man and has enabled many to live healthy, productive lives.
Rest in peace, Doctor.
Blessings to the Murray family and my
condolences.
Johanna Freeth
Kidney transplant recipient, 9/9/1986.
Boston, Massachusetts
Thank you for your courage and determination to alleviate human suffering. RIP, Dr. Murray.
To the the family of Dr Joseph Murray - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many. Thank you for your life saving procedure for so many.
You were one of the greatest men I had ever met Dr. Murray, yet you had a humble, servants heart. God bless you, sir.
Dr. Murray's family.
Dr. Murray operated on me many times for reconstructive surgery during the 1970's and 1980's. Without his efforts, i would not be where i am today. RIP
Brian and Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. He was a pioneer in a field that is near and dear to mine and my family hearts. It is an honor to say that I grew up in the same town.
Blessings to You and Yours,
The DiTomasso Family
Thank You Dr. Murray.
Cindy Bolton