Mr. John W. Murray

Mr. John Murray, age 63, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 19, 2010 at the Canandaigua Veterans Medical Center with the love and support of his children, his brothers, and his sisters. Born in Utica on November 5, 1946, Johnny was the son of the late John and Berte Petkovsek Murray. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Johnny served his country in the United States Army as a heroic infantryman. He was one of the local military men who received the highest award for service in Vietnam. His citation reads as follows: “For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Murray distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on May 12, 1968 while serving as an automatic rifleman for Company B, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry. On that date, while occupying a section of the battalion-size perimeter, his position came under intense hostile mortar, rocket, and automatic weapons fire. When an incoming mortar round hit a position next to his, Pfc. Murray unhesitatingly left the relative safety of his position and ran through a hail of enemy fire to reach and treat his fallen comrades. When a large enemy force made a driving assault on a weakened portion of the perimeter, he rushed across 100 meters of open area under intense hostile fire in an effort to reach and reinforce the weakened perimeter.” Johnny is survived by his family, Kathleen and Juan Veris, Denise and George Contreras, Kevin Murray; and their mother, Kathy Zambrano; John Murray, James Murray, Randy Bullock; and their mother, Deborah Murray; Jessica Murray-Lewis, Erica Murray, Stephen Murray, and their mother, Debra Foley; his grandchildren, Jada, Alexandra, Nicole, Monique, George, Justin, Joshua, Johnny, Morgan, Jessica, Gianna, and Kyler; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Jeanne M. Christopher, and Joannie Grande; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ret. UPD James and Marcia (Debbold) Murray, Jeffrey and JoAnn (Cardone) Murray, Joseph and Sue (Kaye) Murray, and Ret. UPD Jerome and Cheryl (Michel) Murray; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; his uncle, Robert Petkovsek; his aunts, Therese Boehlert, Frances McCann; and his great-aunt, Lala “Alice” Paulsen. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Paul F. Christopher, Sr. The family is extremely grateful to the nurses and staff of building 3A of the Canandaigua VA Medical Center. Their level of service was exceptionally compassionate and their kindness and consideration unparalleled. The care of Johnny and his entire family will remain in the family’s hearts which will heal better knowing that he was so well cared for. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Canandaigua VA Medical Center in lieu of flowers; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Johnny’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Committal prayers and interment will take place graveside in Mt. Olivet Cemetery with military honors.

Mr. John W. Murray

November 5, 1946 - July 19, 2010