FRANCIS MURRAY

John and I were very sorry to miss the funeral services for Franny. We were visiting John's relatives for a family reunion in Stone Harbor, New Jersey on the anniversary of John's deceased brother's birthday. I'm sure many others have said the same thing before me, but I just wanted to say that the first thing that impressed me about Franny was that he knew my name! I felt like a puny, unknown, freshman athlete not even quite sure where I was going in the locker room and he would say, "Hey there, Marylou! How's everything going? I have something for you." I was in disbelief but thrilled! Aside from giving me my washed uniform - I didn't care that it turned pinkish from white (I think of him when I do that to my own laundry now!) - he gave me a few different cool uniforms. One was type of "relic" CUA Tennis sweatshirt from the seventies that I still have! It's falling apart, but it's one of my favorites. I also noticed that he was a classy guy. Very polite - a gentleman. He and Marty were a dynamic duo always adding a sense of family to the gym scene. John and I and our children were able to see him for the last time at CUA - I think it was in 2012 for the celebration they gave him there. John may have more to say, but for both of us and our family I'd like to say, "Thank you, Franny, for your kindness, cheerfulness, dedication and loyalty. We love you, we will be praying for your soul and we will see you in Heaven God willing and with your prayers!". Love, Marylou, John, Casey, Will, Johnny, Peter, Marygrace, Joey, Clare, Jane and Tommy Kirk.

Franny touched my life in a very special way. As a fledgling coach, he was so good at making me laugh, putting me at ease and caring about my players when I was trying to figure out what the heck I was doing. In the middle of my career we were fighting so hard for a championship. After a particularly grueling championship loss, Franny found me and gave me a big hug, no words needed. We laughed about the funny things that happen at the Duf like locking myself in the cage. We shared favorite Broadway tunes. I laughed at the jock straps with "Beat Juniata" written in permanent marker left in a player's locker. And I just loved hearing stories about the old days -- especially the incredible feats of subbing ringers into games -- and seeing the alums who beamed in his presence. He of course not only knew their name but also their major, sport, best friends and probably more. He made so many student athletes feel special, but he was also a huge presence for us coaches. At the end of my career, Franny was my friend. He always asked about my "hooligan" kids and started telling our GA (not me anymore) not to work so hard because the pay was all the same. Franny was so many things to me over the years and my life is better for knowing him. Marty, you've been an amazing son and supporter of both your dad, CUA Athletics and me. You allowed him to carry on and reach hundreds of more people at CUA while also keeping us going. Michael, thank you for your steadfast support and help to our program and me. I am so thankful I knew Franny and to all the family -- thank you so much for sharing him with us. Much love and peace to you.

Lighting this candle in Franny's memory and for his family and all the people whose lives he touched. Truly one-of-a-kind special person. I love you, Franny.

I am very saddened to hear of Franny's passing. I first met Franny when I played JV basketball my Freshman year. I got to know him better since I worked for four years for the athletic department as an intramural referee. He was always so kind and supportive to me. After I graduated, Franny became great friends with my Dad. They spent many happy hours together in the cage Playing cards and Trivial Pursuit. Every time I would see Franny at a CUA event, he would greet me by name and bring up a story from my undergrad days, even 40 years after I left school. He was a kind and gentle man and the world has lost a true mensch. My condolences to the family who were lucky enough to have Franny for so many years.

There's not much I remember about my early years at CU in 1950 and 51 but I remember Franny Murray. It must have been his friendliness. Sorry about your loss.

To the Murray Family,
Sorry for your lost. Your DAD was a great person, a kind individual, and a true Christian. He was a true family leader. May He Rest in Peace and GOD Grant Him Eternal Peace!

One of the greatest guys I ever met. He made everyone he met feel happier! He will always be in our hearts!