Obituary of Michael Anthony Murray

Michael Anthony Murray, son to Andrew John Murray & Florence Esther Murray, was born on October 13, 1947, in Vallejo, California. At age 13, Michael was moved to Guam, along with his sisters, Patricia C. Stearns and Mary E. Eitel, where their father worked with the Civil Service. In 1966, Michael graduated from Father Duenas Seminary School. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Marine Corp, which brought him back to the States, and then served our country for eight years. In 1967, Michael met his wife, Carolyn, in Memphis, Tennessee, and they married one year later. In 1969, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he suffered a shrapnel injury from a rocket attack. He was sent home on his first wedding anniversary, and became a Purple Heart recipient. Michael and Carolyn were living in Orange County, California during his first deployment. Later that year, Michael’s first daughter, Deanna, was born. Transferred yet again back to Memphis, Michael was deployed a second time to Okinawa, in 1972. Carolyn was pregnant with their second daughter, Deborah, when he left, and when he returned home, Deborah was 9-months old. After being honorably discharged in 1974 from the military, SSGT Murray and Carolyn moved their daughters back to California, where their son, Michael Jr. was born, in 1977. Michael received basic training in electronics while serving in the military, and after his years in service, he began his career as an electronic maintenance engineer. Between teaching courses at Moorpark College and CCD classes at his church, he raised his three children. Michael enjoyed talking on his Ham radio, barbecuing for his family, and square dancing with Carolyn. A proud father, indeed, but his heart melted for his four beautiful granddaughters, Hannah, Paige, Charlotte and Tess. For the past seventeen years, Michael worked for the CBS Television Corporation. These years were highlights of his working career. He was a board member for Union IBEW Local 45, and was appointed union steward for his division. Michael died on July 27, 2014, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family. His smile affected everyone who met him, and he will forever be in our hearts. God, family and friends were what was important to Michael, and his legacy will live on in all of us. Michael is survived by his wife, Carolyn, sisters, Patricia Stearns (son Father John) and Mary & George Eitel (two daughters: Kathleen & Diane), children, Deanna (Jeffrey) Moriarty, Debbie (Dan) Gates, and Mike (Brook) Murray, Jr, and granddaughters, Hannah (age 13), Paige (age 11), Charlotte (age 7) & Tess (age 5).