Alexander Walker Murray

MURRAY Alexander Walker Murray, age 88, of Stratford, passed peacefully into eternal life on Monday, March 15, 2010 at Bridgeport Hospital. Born in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late James and Christina Walker Murray, and was a life long Stratford resident. Alex was a banker with Peoples Bank from 1950 and retired as Vice President in 1982. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, serving his country from 1943 to 1946. Alex was a 1950 graduate of the University of Connecticut and a graduate of the Connecticut School of Savings Banking. He also earned a certificate from the American Institute of Banking. He began his career at People's Bank in 1950. Following assignments to the Savings and Life Insurance departments, he held managerial positions at the growing bank's new locations. He coveted his position at the new Paradise Green office from 1970 to 1982 which was not far from the house where he lived as a boy. After retiring, Alex devoted time to his never ending pile of "must read" books. He, a diehard fan of the UCONN men's and women's basketball teams, never missed a game. Soccer was another passion. It didn't matter who was playing; he was watching. For many years he enjoyed bowling with the Grandfather League at Circle Lane Alleys. But nothing gave him more pleasure than spending endless hours landscaping his meticulous park-like property. No leaf or stick escaped him! Throughout the years, he loved traveling and took his family on numerous trips throughout the United States, but his favorite destination was his beloved Scotland where he cherished time spent with relatives. In addition, Alex was the treasurer of the former Kings Highway Baptist Church in Bridgeport. He became a member of the Stratford Baptist Church in 1987 where he served as usher, trustee, associate finance secretary and the treasurer of the memorial fund. Survivors include his beloved wife of 63 years, Edna Ruth Lukas Murray, two devoted daughters, Jacqueline Murray Partridge of Stratford and Bonnie Murray Drazdowsky and her husband Richard of Milford. In addition, Alex treasured his three loving grandchildren, James Drazdowsky, Adam Murray Pancak and Alexandra Murray Pancak; and his precious great-granddaughter, Skye Alexandra Pancak. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Jeffrey R. Partridge and his twin sister Margaret Murray. The family would like the thank the wonderful staff of the 7th floor SICU at Bridgeport Hospital for their kind devotion to Alex while he remained in their care. Friends are invited to attend funeral services on Saturday March 20, 2010 at 10 a.m. in the Stratford Baptist Church, 155 Huntington Rd. Stratford with Rev. Dr. Robert Genevicz, Pastor officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Putney Cemetery, Stratford. Visiting hours will be held on Friday March 19, 2010 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home, 2611 Main St. Stratford. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the memorial fund at Stratford Baptist Church. For online condolences please visit www.dennisanddarcy.com.