Supreme Court Justice John L. Murad, Retired

Retired New York State Supreme Court Justice, Honorable John L. Murad, age 79, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his devoted family by his side. Born in Utica on February 22, 1932, John was the son of the late Karkour and Julia (Mardenly) Murad. He was a graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School. He continued his academic studies at LeMoyne College where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He went on to receive his Doctorate of Law degree from Albany Law School. On July 4, 1957 he married the former Patricia A. O’Shea with whom he shared 45 years prior to her passing on November 26, 2002; their marriage was blessed with an abiding love and devotion to one another and to their family. John served the people of New York State in various venues. His legal career began in private practice, first at the firm of Bernardi, Zogby, & Murad, and later at Murad, Brindisi, & Garramone. His career on the bench began as a Utica City Court Judge in 1966; he was elected to serve as Oneida County Court Judge in 1984. In 1992 he was elected to the prestigious post of New York State Supreme Court Justice in the Fifth Judicial District serving the people until his retirement in 2001. Judge Murad received numerous honors throughout his career, including a commendation from the Office of Court Administration for improving the court system, and a commendation from the NYS Chief Administrative Judge. He was recognized for service and leadership by Mohawk Valley Community College, where he was an adjunct professor of law for seven years; the New York State Assembly, the Utica Common Council, and the Utica Kiwanis Club. His professional affiliations included his memberships in the New York State Supreme Court Justices Association, American Trial Lawyers Association, Oneida County Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Most recently he served as a member of the SUNYIT College Council. He was a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Although he had many professional accomplishments, his greatest passion and his strongest loyalties belonged with his family. Among his most memorable attributes was his ability to communicate with and tell stories to those whose paths he crossed. John is survived by his daughter, Julie Ann Maciag of New Hartford; his sons and daughters-in-law, John L. Murad, Jr., Esq. and his wife Renee James, Esq. of Jamesville, Supreme Court Justice Honorable David A. and Susan M. Murad of Utica, Kirk A. Murad and wife Patricia P. Wu-Murad of Storrs, CT, Joseph T. Murad of Utica, and Jeffrey M. and Heather M. Murad of Bar Harbor, Maine. Also left to mourn his passing are his grandchildren, John “J.P.” Maciag; Matthew, Bess, and Patrick Murad; Michael, and Elizabeth Murad; Rachel, Murphy, and Bryce Murad; and Ashley and Alyssa Murad; his sister and brother-in-law, Antoinette “Anne” and Joseph Flint; his brother and sister-in-law, Alex E. and Antoinette C. “Ann” Murad; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Joan Guyette, Beverly O’Shea, and Timothy J. O’Shea; and he was blessed with many wonderful friendships that he held close to his heart. He was predeceased by his brothers and sister-in-law, Anthony F. “Tony” and Mary Murad, and George Murad; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary and Angelo Brindisi, Jenny Singe, and Nellie and George Kazanjian; and his brother-in-law, James Guyette. The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Fred Talerico, Pat Rosati, NP, as well as their staff for the years of care, dedication, and friendship; home health care aide Charlene Pavia Werthman who went above and beyond; as well as the nurses and staff of the ICU at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. The family will receive visitors on Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, 2222 Genesee St., Utica. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the Upstate Cancer Center at Upstate Medical University in memory of John’s late wife Patricia, or the Mohawk Valley Heart Institute; envelopes will be available at the service. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Judge Murad’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday morning at 10:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Supreme Court Justice John L. Murad, Retired

February 22, 1932 - January 10, 2012