Richard Bernard Murray

Richard Bernard Murray
1941 - 2026
West Springfield
Richard (Dick) Bernard Murray, 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, in Springfield on January 27th, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Hungry Hill on June 23, 1941, he was the beloved son of the late Earl and Margaret (Moriarty) Murray. Dick was raised in West Springfield and graduated from West Springfield High School in 1959. After high school, Dick proudly served his country in the United States Army. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Western New England College. He began a long and successful career, beginning as a computer programmer with Digital Equipment Corporation, later concluding his professional journey as the Director of Information Technology for the Town of West Springfield, a role he fulfilled with pride, dedication, and integrity for many years until his retirement. A man of deep faith, incredible strength, and gentle humor, Dick's life was defined by love - first and foremost for his beloved wife, Polly, and for his family. He was known for his unwavering devotion, quick wit and his enduring passions: his faith, his family and friendships, and, of course, his love of golf. Dick will be dearly missed by his wife and best friend of 59 years, Polly (Delahunty) Murray; their three devoted children, Marjie Murray Fowler of Enfield, CT; Mary Cieplik and her husband Todd of Longmeadow, MA; and Michael Murray and his wife Jenn of Kingston, MA. He leaves behind nine adored grandchildren - Tory (Kirsten) Lussier, Derek (Lindsey) Lussier; Cassie (Patrick) Cieplik Ryan, Alex and Nate Cieplik; Ryan, Grace, Bennett and Soleil Murray - who all were a constant source of pride and joy, as well as three precious great-grandchildren, Poppy, Beau, and Parker Lussier. He is also survived by his loving sister, Barbara Bengle of Agawam, along with many nieces and nephews whom he adored and who lovingly referred to him as "Uncle Rich". He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Joe and Jack Murray, and his sister Mary Martin. Dick was immensely proud of his Irish heritage and was a devoted member of the Irish Cultural Center in West Springfield. Throughout his life, he gave generously of his time and talents to the community he loved. He volunteered at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in numerous capacities, as well as at The Parish Cupboard and the West Springfield Public Library. His gentle spirit, generosity, and readiness to serve left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Dick's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at ARA Holyoke Dialysis for their exceptional care over the past several years, the D'Amour Cancer Center, the staff at Reeds Landing and to Baystate Hospice, whose extraordinary kindness and support allowed Dick to spend his final days at home with dignity, peace, and comfort, surrounded by those he loved. Calling hours will be held Sunday, February 1st, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at TOOMEY-O'BRIEN FUNERAL HOME in West Springfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, February 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in West Springfield, followed by committal at St. Thomas Cemetery. Family and friends attending the funeral are asked to meet directly at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick's memory to The Parish Cupboard, 738 Main Street, West Springfield, MA 01089, or online at theparishcupboard.org, an organization that was near and dear to his heart. For more information, see toomeyobrien.com.