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Thomas Murray Obituary
Thomas M. Murray, dearly beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all, passed peacefully, surrounded by his family on Monday, March 8, 2021 at the age of 82. Called Tommy by most, he is survived by his three children, Tom Jr, Mary Patricia and Colin Henry.
Tommy's parents were Matthew and Rita Murray of New York City. He was born on January 29, 1939, and attended All Hallows High School in the Bronx. He studied English at Georgetown University, and then attended medical school at Columbia University, graduating in 1965. Following these years of study, Tommy joined St. Vincent's Hospital, also in New York, as a surgical intern, eventually completing his residency at Sloane Hospital for Women.
During the Vietnam War, Tommy volunteered to serve his country where he was ultimately stationed at West Point ("Major Tom"). With a love of American history and picturesque countryside, Tommy ultimately settled in Duchess Country near his beloved Hudson River. There, he founded a thriving obstetrical practice, serving for many years as the OB/GYN Department Chair at Vassar Brothers Hospital. He also donated his time to teach medicine to residents at Harlem Hospital. Toward the end of his career, numerous defense and plaintiff attorneys sought Tommy's opinions as an expert witness.
With a wry smile, Tommy might appreciate being best known for his passion for horses and horseracing. Always generous with advice and enthusiasm, he taught many how to enjoy themselves at the racetrack. Saratoga was his heaven on earth, and he loved to spend time on the backstretch with all of his many friends, trainers and jockeys. In addition to being a talented handicapper, Tommy and his brother Vincent proudly bred and raced a number of graded stakes winning thoroughbreds.
Anyone who knew Tommy, including his family, friends, physicians, nurses and hospital staff would all agree, he was a skilled, compassionate physician who genuinely cared for all people. Patients regularly and enthusiastically approached him at grocery stores and pizza parlors to offer their thanks and bask in the special light he showered on people. Called "The Tipper" by his grandsons for his generosity, Tommy's kind heart and irreverent sense of humor will certainly be missed.
In addition to being survived by his three children and their spouses (Alexis, Ceasar and George), many mourn Tommy's passing, including his treasured grandsons, George Jr, Patrick, Owen and Henry; Tommy's dear siblings, Rita Meyer (Dennis), Mathew J. Murray, Jr. (Hazel), Peter Murray (Abigail), Christopher Murray (Carlotta) and Vincent Murray (Jody). The family would also like to attest to the unwavering care and love that George and Patricia Olvany selflessly devoted to Tommy in the last year of his life.
A memorial will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Thomas M. Murray '56 Memorial Scholarship Fund at the All Hollows School .
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Murray
34 Entries
julie milano
May 25, 2021
It didn't have to be a gyn problem. Dr Murray would help if you asked. He was a caring man for the 50 years that I knew him.
Valerie Shanley
April 18, 2021
To Dr. Murray’s family....He was just best doctor delivering my children and helping me through the loss of my beloved daughter. I was sad when he retired and and I’m devastated now. Heaven has one of the best! My heartfelt condolences! Valerie Shanley
carolyn murray kramer
March 23, 2021
so sorry to hear of your loss; my name is carolyn murray kramer. it has been many years since i saw tommy but i have good memories of our visits to their home when i was little. my brother frank murray was the same age as tommy and he passed this past August. my prayers are with all of you.
Linda Sohan
March 22, 2021
Dr Murray delivered my son 46 years ago and was my doctor until he retired. He was my doctor as well as a friend. He was the best! To his family, I send my sincere condolences. May he rest in peace.
Brenda Jagich
March 20, 2021
He was the greatest doctor I have ever had so we schooled he made you feel like it was a social bust rather than a scary doctors visit. I will miss him. I am so sorry to you all he was one of a kind
Rick Meunier
March 19, 2021
I shall miss our dinners at Les Baux. Book talks and dinner at our condo. Have a mass being said for you. You knew I would. Will see you again my friend.
Sandra
March 18, 2021
Dr Murray was the best of the best. Was heart broken when he retired and now even more heart broken to hear of his passing. My condolences to the Murray family. May he rest in peace.
Todd McRitchie
March 18, 2021
Doc you were truly one of a kind.I know that I am a better person for having met you.I will miss out talks about the Mets and what books you were reading.Thanks for inviting to see Here comes Rita's big win. When a service is confirmed can someone please contact me at 8455902544.
John Keyser
March 18, 2021
Tommy was a joy and fun to be with and a dear friend. He has gone straight to heaven!
April
March 18, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I will forever use " Dial soap" and miss our conversations. RIP DOC
Vickie Rogers
March 17, 2021
There will never be another doctor so loved and appreciated by me. We shared a love of horses and many conversations in his offices. His last one had a picture of a horse on the wall I gifted him when he moved to the new bldg. Thank you and God Bless You
Marie D
March 17, 2021
Dr Murray Rest In Peace there will never be another doctor like you.
Alice Frederick
March 17, 2021
Very Special Doctor and Friend May he rest in Pearce
Dotti Still
March 17, 2021
We enjoyed !any years of great conversation with 'Doc' over the years in local restaurants. He was a wonderful and kind true gentleman. Rest in peace, Doc.
Patti McAllister
March 17, 2021
You knew it was going to be a good day in the OR if you were assigned to his room. He was an amazing man and memories of him will always bring a smile. God bless him and his family.
Susan
March 17, 2021
Dr. Was the best. When he retired I knew I’d miss him a lot and do. I miss our yearly chats. RIP
Shari Mayer
March 16, 2021
There will never be another like him. My doctor for over 30 years, and also my friend. My most sincere condolences to his cherished family. The world has lost a most wonderful man.
Melanie Cass Redl
March 16, 2021
I loved you doc I always enjoyed singing w you when you came into the cafe and hearing all your stories about Paris you were awesome person and always a joy you will be missed greatly :( love Melanie Cass Redl
Evelyn Santi
March 16, 2021
My deepest condolences to the entire Murray family. Although I worked as a nurse at Vassar Brothers Hospital it wasn't until I started playing golf that I got to know Tom. He and Dr Dianni would bring me out to McCanns golf course and give me lessons. What a hoot those 2 were. I loved his stories and his amazing sense of humor. He was a dedicated and caring doctor and I know that his patients along with hospital staff adored him.
RIP Tommy, you
Certainly had a life well lived.
Donna
March 16, 2021
The best of the best! Always made you feel like your were his only patient. It was so hard to find another when he retired. No one could top him! Condolences to his family. So lucky to have had him as my doctor for almost 40 years! Always “Be Grateful”
Kimberly Gizzarelli
March 16, 2021
26 years ago I met Dr. Murray for the first time. I had suffered a miscarriage and he got me through a very difficult time. He promised he would deliver my next child and always true to his word one year later he did. My daughter is now studying to be a doctor and I only hope she shows as much compassion and friendship to her patients as he did with his. RIP Dr. Murray your patients mourn your loss.
Ellen Kutner
March 16, 2021
Our paths crossed almost 50 years ago and evolved over time to an amazing friendship. Always will to listen, share a story and lend advice to myself and my family. Tom was a larger than life kind of guy who made everyone whose life he touched feel at ease. RIP my “Hong Kong buddy”❤
Christine (Koski)Lang
March 16, 2021
Dr Murray delivered my daughter Jenean.He was the best of the best.Looked forward to seeing him once a year for many years and always left his office feeling lucky that I knew him.Rest in peace Tom.
Theresa McDermott Dryfoos
March 16, 2021
Included in the many who mourn Dr. Murray's passing are his patients who adored him. I started going to Dr. Murray when I was 18, he was my first and only OB/GYN until I was in my late 50s when he retired. He will live on forever in the memories of the comfort he brought to so many of us through the ups and downs of womanhood, pregnancy, heartache and joy. His quick wit, generous spirit, high intellect and competence made each doctors visit a memorable experience. It makes me so sad that he left too soon. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Debbie (Raffaele)Ledrich
March 16, 2021
I became a patient of Dr Murrays when he first came to Fishkill . As a young girl (18) seeing a gynecologist the first time you can imagine my nerves ! He was so calm, funny and gentle that he abolished all worries I had ! He never changed. Whenever I saw him he had that beautiful, welcoming smile ! I have no doubt that the angels sang him home and he was welcomed with open arms. My sympathies to his loving family.
March 16, 2021
I worked at Fishkill OBGYN while I attended college. Dr. Murray was such a kind, generous, and funny man. Though I only worked there for one year, I enjoyed getting to know the doctors in the group as well as all the staff. It was quite evident that Dr. Murray was well-respected and liked by many who met him and were lucky to have been his patient. My condolences to the Murray family.
Judy Sears (Astudillo)
Colleen Kutner
March 16, 2021
Dr. Murray delivered me at Vassar in 1986 and continued to be a doctor and friend to my mom and our family. Dr. Murray loved seeing the lady I turned into and was proud and often reminded me of the role he played bringing me into the world. He took me along with him to Saratoga one day and taught me everything there is to know, from betting, to racetrack terminology, to showing me the paddock and winners circle. I will remember him for his booming voice, scribble handwriting, passion and big generous heart. RIP Dr. Murray
Karen Schetter
March 16, 2021
I began seeing Dr. Murray shortly after he started practicing in Fishkill. He was not just my doctor, I'm proud to say he was my friend. He was Gifted, Professional, Caring and always sharing his own quirky sense of humor . More importantly, always letting you know he was there for you! Dr. Murray , you will be missed by so many. May you rest in peace!
Karen Schetter
Jean Smith
March 16, 2021
So very sad to hear of Dr. Murray's passing. He had been my doctor until his retirement and I always found him to be warm and compassionate. He will be greatly missed by so many.
Meg Cusumano
March 16, 2021
That wonderful laugh must be being heard throughout the heavens. So many stories you told , so much you taught us, thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with the FOG family. Rest In Peace Dr Murray.
Jim Morgan
March 16, 2021
Hello to the Family of Dr. Murray,
Please accept my condolences .
I was honored to know Dr. Murray in three separate but equal capacities: friend , customer and doctor.
Dr. Murray was the warmest of people, friendly, caring and full of friendship. He always greeted me with a truly warm, friendly hello and was genuinely happy to see me. In true Tom Murray style , he acted as though we hadn't seen each other in years, when actually it might only have been 2-3 weeks; so much fun.
Dr. Murray was also a terrific customer at Coppola's Restaurant, where my father in law Joe Coppola and I ran together for many, many years. Even after Joe passed away, Dr. Murray would grace our restaurant with frequent visits. Dr. Murray always made sure his sense of humor and loudness were at his side, ready to be called upon in a moment's notice.
Thirdly, Dr. Murray delivered my first born son back in 1983. He made my wife , my mom and my mother in law all feel so special on that July 25th evening.
When visiting me in the restaurant he would always ask about my wife, my son and my mother in law, recounting the story of when he came downstairs to greet them and congratulate them on becoming a grandmother; NO ONE did it as well as DR. Murray. I know Dr. Murray treated everyone like this, but when he saw my wife or my in-laws or me, it was our special treat.
I would like to send my condolences to the family. What a tremendous loss. He will be missed and while it has been years since we saw one another, bright images and vibrant sounds of his voice calling me,
JIMMY [!] are as clear as pure blue sky on opening day at Saratoga.
God's Speed Dr. Murray, may the angels welcome you into paradise.
Receive Tom's soul and present it to God The Most High.
God Bless you and your family
Thank you DR. Murray
With heartfelt sympathy
Jim Morgan
Coppola's Main Street
Poughkeepsie (Arlington)
Angel Bettina
March 16, 2021
Dr. Murray was my doctor and friend for many many years. He was truly a gifted doctor and a caring man. I and many others were so fortunate to have known him.
May he rest in peace,
Angela Bettina
Theresa lewis
March 15, 2021
To The Family, I am so sorry for Your loss.Tom was a Great Guy,and a Great Doctor. He was Kind, and caring and He had a Wonderful sense of Humor.I hope You can All find comfort in each Other knowing that He is in Heaven with Jesus and He is at Peace Now.
Tom, Thanks for All the kind words when I was Young, Thanks for being You Sleep Peacefully With Jesus With love,Theresa (Moschetto)Lewis
Kevin Coleman
March 15, 2021
Tommy was my first friend at the age of four in Riverdale. We attended Saint Gabriel's elementary school and though at different high schools managed to keep our friendship up with other local boys, including Dave Rottino and Vinnie Alvino. Sadly, they are all gone now.
Over the years we stayed in touch.
Our last call was about two years ago; it was always wonderful to hear his voice and share his upbeat outlook on life.
Tommy's picture above says it all.
We will miss you my friend.
Kevin and Cathy Coleman
Pasadena, CA
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