Daniel Charles Murray, of Evanston, Illinois, beloved husband to Martha Jane Gerity Murray, loving father to Michaela Anne Gerity Murray, Tyler Charles Gerity Murray (Lisa Noller), and Brian Patrick Gerity Murray, dear brother to John Joseph (Margaret) Murray, Patricia Ellen Murray, the late Stephen Michael (Barbara) Murray, the late Gerald William (Betsy) Murray, and the late Carol Anne Murray Rehtmeyer, adored uncle to many nieces and nephews, and fortified with the sacraments of the Catholic Church, died peacefully on November 27, 2020. Dan was born on January 21, 1949, in Evanston, Illinois, the fourth of six children, to Marjorie Ellen Pequignot and John Joseph Murray. He was educated at Mary, Seat of Wisdom (Park Ridge, Illinois), Christian Brothers College High School (St. Louis, Missouri), Marquette University (B.A., Economics), where he met Martha, the love of his life, and Loyola University Chicago School of Law (J.D.). Dan began a career in law in 1976, highlighted by his service as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and a Staff Attorney for the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Following a distinguished career in public service, Dan was an esteemed partner for many years at Johnson & Bell Ltd. Dan's service to others, which brought him so much fulfillment, extended well beyond his professional life. He was actively involved, for years, with Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers, Cabrini Green Legal Aid, and St. Ignatius Parish (Rogers Park). Dan will be remembered for his authenticity, his kind ways, his intellectual rigor, his rugged charm, his mutually elevating wit and wisdom, his faith, his athletic achievements earlier in life and the courage and ferocity with which he faced his health challenges later in life. Dan will forever be cherished for his selfless love of family and his ever-present concern for those less fortunate than him. Due to the pandemic, services and a celebration of Dan's life will have to wait, for now. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Marquette University Urban Scholars Scholarship Fund, https://give.marquette.edu/give-online, or the Davis Phinney Foundation For Parkinson's, https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/, would be greatly appreciated.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Nov. 29, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Murray

28 Entries

Bob Littwin

January 22, 2025

My best friend at MSW. Miss him.

Terry Kinney

November 25, 2024

I remain eternally grateful to Dan who took me, a young lawyer, to my first criminal trial, a challenging veterans fraud case. He remained a good friend and colleague and I miss him often.

Edie Rubinowitz

January 19, 2021

I feel very lucky to have known Dan. He was a great neighbor, leader, and protector of our little community on Eastlake. I am stunned and saddened at such a loss for so many, but grateful to have crossed paths with him. He will not be forgotten.

Connie Henrichs

December 19, 2020

Dan and I were at the office for most of his career there. I admired him. This is such a loss and so unfair. I am sending prayers of support your way during this difficult time.

Joanna Hosteny

December 13, 2020

I worked with Dan occasionally at the US Attorney’s office. My late Brother, Joe Hosteny, was there also. I remember Dan as a kind, friendly and intelligent. It is truly a shame that he is gone. I wish you all well.

Bruce Karbal

Planted Trees

Bruce L Karbal

December 10, 2020

I worked with Dan Murray for over 10 years managing the condominium association he lived in, and was Board President of for many years.
Working with Dan I learned many things about life, the law, and friendship. Dan was a stand-up forthright person that would give you the short off his back, should circumstance warrant this.

My heart goes out to Martha and all the close family, and please know I feel Blessed to have known Dan and Martha.

Rosanne Poppell and Steve Keller

December 10, 2020

Dan was the nicest guy in the world....and very courageous.
He will be missed by all of his neighbors at Northgate Pier.

Northgate Pier Association

Planted Trees

Beth Fisher

December 7, 2020

Dear Mrs. Murray and family. I am so very sorry for your loss! I was hired by Mr, Murray in 2020 at Johnson & Bell. I didn’t have much success in the position, but Mr. Murray always tried to coach me and encourage me. He gave me every opportunity to learn and grow into. He was the only attorney at the firm who cared about my success. When I left Johnson & Bell he wrote me a fabulous letter of recommendation. Mr. Murray was kind to everyone. I often found myself in his office wanting to discuss anything item law! We would always talk about family. He was a prince of among men. Again. I am so sorry for your loss and May Dan Rest In Peace and May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.

Sherry Smith

December 5, 2020

I was so very saddened to hear about Dan’s passing. I only met Martha and he after moving into The Main, but enjoyed their company very much. We shared a love of watching basketball, even when pulling for different teams. I will remember Dan whenever I see Marquette play. Deepest sympathy to Martha and all the rest of Dan’s family.

Holly Jordan

December 4, 2020

Dan and Martha were my neighbors and became my friends. Dan was a dear man who would do whatever he could to help. He was there for me during some difficult times with his legal advice too. He had a generous heart. I remember going to a play that another neighbor directed, with a group of neighbors including Dan and Martha and we laughed and had such fun.
He was brave and so strong and determined to continue his athletics no matter what! He was an inspiration to me.

So sorry for your loss, Martha. He was a dear man.

Jerry Bischoff

Sent Flowers

Robert W Seifert

December 3, 2020

Dan was just a wonderful person. I had the privilege of working with him as a Caregiverfor the last two years of his life. He was strong, well organized, and was just a joy to be with. Although Dan walked with walker and a gait belt, in his later years he always knew that life was so precious. He worked so hard at keeping himself in great shape because he once said to me," IF I ever stop working and exercising I will die." He had Parkinson's from 2007 until his passing last week. We both could hardly wait to get the shopping, walking and exercising out of the way so that we could play Chess. After a meal at a nice restaurant in Evanston he broke out the Chess set and afterwards we were both "hooked." I could talk with him about just about anything, sports politics law. He was extremely intelligent. I miss him so much. He was an absolutely wonderful human being.

Scott Mendeloff

December 2, 2020

Dan was a great lawyer and more importantly such a WONDERFUL person. I valued him tremendously as such a fine, fine guy. I am saddened greatly by his passing.

Leslie Garthwaite

Planted Trees

Barbara Westfield

December 2, 2020

My most profound sympathy to Martha, the kids and the entire Murray clan. We were neighbors for a very long time and our neighbors remain a tight knit group, admiring Dan and Martha. We could always count on Dan over the years to share his wisdom. Martha I’m sending you love and look forward to seeing you soon.

Sharon Sherman

December 1, 2020

I left a message and forgot to include my name - former neighbor Sharon and Dick

December 1, 2020

For many years, Dan was a neighbor of unusual excellence. He was an outstanding human being, and it was a privilege getting to know him and his wonderful wife Martha. Condolences to his family.

maryann williams

December 1, 2020

I was so sorry to hear of Daniel's passing i have been praying for him since he was in the hospital I now pray for his loving family , I know the loss of your husband and dad is heartbreaking and I ask Jesus to help you find healing.

Tom and Kathy Strubbe

November 30, 2020

Dan was one of the first persons I hired when I became the Clerk of the U.S. Court of Appeals in 1973; and I later had the good fortune to hire his son Tyler to a comparable position. Each made me proud that we were all members of a team working in furtherance of the Court’s goals. In addition to their competence Dan and, later, Tyler through their charming personalities, intelligence, devotion to duty, modesty, and downright friendliness made many friends at the Court while rendering excellent service to the judges, the bar, and the public. I am fortunate that Dan and his lovely wife Martha can be included among the good friends my wife, Kathy, and I have enjoyed through the years. God bless the entire Murray family!

Bill and Beth Coulson

November 30, 2020

Dan was a wonderful person and a great attorney. He took his work seriously but always kept a healthy sense of humor. We will miss him.

Mark Rotert

November 30, 2020

I'm sorry to learn that Dan has passed. I worked with him at the U.S. Attorney's Office and we remained friendly over the years, he always was a gracious, kind and friendly man. He was a fine lawyer and an even better person. My condolences to his family, especially my friend Tyler and his wife, Lisa Noller.

Terry Kinney

November 30, 2020

An absolutely wonderful man, skilled trial lawyer, and great mentor to me when I was a young lawyer working with him. I did my very first federal trial with him, and he was always something of a role model for me. Great sense of humor, warm personality and so down to earth. I am sorry that he is gone - he will be missed by many.

Dave Stetler

November 30, 2020

One terrific person, it was a privilege to have known Dan.

Lewis Erenberg & Susan Hirsch

November 29, 2020

Dear Martha,
Please accept our condolences on Dan's passing. I'll miss sharing with him our mutual Parkinson's afflictions and much else. Despite his serious physical condition, he always offered a positive view toward life and I took great inspiration from him. He always spoke of you with great love and caring.
Best wishes,
Lew Erenberg and Susan Hirsch

Bill and Diane Johnson

November 29, 2020

Dan was a great person, both personally and professionally. Am proud to have been a partner with him at J and B firm. Our condolences toMartha and family.

Tom Sollers

November 29, 2020

Dan was a stunningly selfless individual. He embodied the example of giving to others... his time, expertise and talents. I had just e-mailed him a few days ago for information and advice about a common concern not knowing he was gravely ill. I thought, this is unlike Dan not to get right back to me, with a helpful answer. I know his wonderful wife, Martha, and have met his children all of whom Dan was fiercely proud. Very sorry he is gone and will keep his family in my prayers. Maybe Dan can shoot me some advice from his Heavenly perch. Dan was and will remain an important and influential friend in my life. Thank you, Dan.

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