Robert Francis Murray

11/17/1935 - 01/05/2026

"Bob" Murray, 90, of Alexandria, Virginia, died peacefully surrounded by family on January 5, 2026, at Mount Vernon Hospital.
Born in 1935 in Danville, Pennsylvania, Bob grew up in the Washington, DC area and was a graduate of Gonzaga College High School and Georgetown University. Gonzaga later awarded him an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters for his work at St. Aloysius Church.
Bob was a prominent figure in the Alexandria and Washington, DC art communities for more than forty years. He founded the von Brahler Gallery, introduced Russian and Eastern Bloc artists to the region, curated numerous exhibitions, wrote for The Zebra, and authored several art books.
He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-seven years, Rosemary Griffin Murray, whom he deeply loved. He is survived by devoted nieces and nephews, his sisters-in-law Kathleen Wright of Massachusetts and Marianne Griffin of North Carolina, and many dear friends.
Bob and Rosemary married in 1967 and made their home in Alexandria, VA, where they were known for generosity, hospitality, and charitable service, including Good Shepherd Housing. Bob was a trusted mentor to many and believed deeply in second chances.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Aloysius Church, Washington, DC, on January 24 at 11 a.m. A private burial will follow.
Additional information on Bob's amazing life is available on legacy.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Serenity Club, 8121 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309.