Anthony J. "Tony" Murray Jr.

1929 - 2021

TROY - Anthony (Tony) Joseph Murray, Jr. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Helen (McNamee) Murray of Troy.Tony was born, at home, in Troy, New York, on July 31, 1929, the son of Anthony J. Murray and Veronica (Mahoney) Murray.He grew up in South Troy, New York and was a proud graduate of St. Joseph’s School and Catholic Central High School, Class of 1946. After attending St. Thomas Seminary, Tony received a Bachelor’s Degree from St. Bonaventure University, a Master’s Degree from Albany State Teachers’ College and both guidance and chief school administrative certificates from SUNY Albany. He served his country as a Naval seaman on the U.S.S. Wilkinson and as an instructor of U.S. Naval History at the Recruit Training Center, Bainbridge, MD. He began his long and fulfilling career in education in the Saratoga Springs Public School District, beginning as a high school social studies teacher and a junior high school guidance counselor. Tony returned to Troy as Director of Guidance for the Troy City School District. He held the positions of Assistant Curriculum Coordinator, Director of Pupil Personnel, Assistant Superintendent and served as Superintendent from 1981 – 1984. Tony returned to his first love as a guidance counselor at his beloved alma mater, Catholic Central High School, 1984-1991.Tony shared his love for swimming with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His greatest joy was swimming alongside them on yearly summer vacations at Cape Cod or at his special retreats to Brant Lake. He was a lifelong Yankees and Siena basketball fan. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Victory Church serving as a Eucharistic Minister, lector and greeter.Tony lived a life filled with the joys of family and friends, anchored in faith, kindness and integrity, with a smile that warmed all of our hearts.Tony is survived by his devoted children: Timothy Murray (Patti Quinlan) of Brookfield, CT; Kathleen Dayton (J. Edward) of Troy, NY; and Kelly Taylor (Jack) of Essex Fells, NJ.Cherished grandchildren: Patrick Murray (Jacqueline), Christine Murray, Megan Dayton Perfetti (Lou), Erin Dayton Haggerty (Kevin), Jake Taylor (Darlene), Michael Taylor (Liz), Joseph Luke Taylor and Timothy Taylor. Loving Poppy of nine great-grandchildren: John A., Helen Grace (Nel), Dominic, Molly, Mary Jane, Oriana, John Timothy, Graham and Chase. Tony is also survived by his brother, Joseph Murray, of San Juan, Puerto Rico.He is predeceased by his brother, Dr. William H. Murray, sisters Mary Behan and Veronica Sweeney, brother-in laws, Jerry Behan and Frank Sweeney and sister-in-law Teresita Murray. He is also predeceased by in-laws Greg and Margaret (McNamee) Cole, Hubert and Anne (McNamee) Madden and Jack and Doris McNamee. He is predeceased by twin granddaughters, Margaret and Ellen Murray.He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and -nephews and great-grand-nieces and -nephews. The family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to Tony’s neighbors, the Gallagher Family; his loving caregivers, Edith, Ingrid, Robbie, Sherena and Wayka; and Dr. Charles Sulzman for his compassionate care.Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, November 14th from 3 pm to 6 pm at Our Lady of Victory Church, 450 Marshland Court, Troy, NY 12180. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Kenneth Doyle at Our Lady of Victory Church on Monday at 10 am. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Troy, NY. Facemasks are requested.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Tony Murray, to the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club, 501 4th Avenue, Troy, NY 12182 or to the Our Lady of Victory Memorial Fund, 450 Marshland Court, Troy, NY 12180. https://www.lastingmemories.com/anthony-tony-j-murray-jr-1