John R. Murray , at 91 years, died of congestive heart failure on February 15, 2015 in Elmira, NY. He was born in Elmira, NY on December 25, 1923, the son of John J. (Red) Murray and Beatrice (Riley] Murray. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Margaret (Peggy) Bosley, his niece, Suzy Bosley and his cousin Lawrence J. Riley. He is survived by his nephew John, and wife, Bridget Bosley of Milton, MA, and great nieces, Sarah Slimbaugh, Katie Knowles, Molly Bosley, Emily Rockcastle, great nephews Logan Rockcastle and Skye Rockcastle. John also had six great nieces and nephews and several cousins. He is also survived by good friends and neighbors Louis and Peg Fosceseca. John was a graduate of Number 5 Grammar School (George Washington School) and Elmira Free Academy. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on December 12, 1942 and served in the Pacific during WW II before being honorably discharged on April 7, 1946. Upon returning from the war, John attended Ithaca College earning his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in health, education and recreation. John was a physical education teacher at Hendy Avenue School for 35 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a member of Fir, Fin and Feather. He was also a member of the Elmira Elks and the Elmira American Legion Post #443. John was a lifelong communicant of St. Patrick's Church. Family and friends will be invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Church at a date to be announced later. Committal prayers and internment, with military honors, will follow at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery in Elmira.

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