Gary Alan Murray

Gary Alan Murray, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, was the only son of Harry Anthony Murray and Naomi Barbara Murray (nee Morris). He was predeceased by his older sisters Joan Inez Minton and Barbara Ruth Pizor, his granddaughter Abigail Amelia Murray, his nephews, Ward Pizor, David Minton, and Thomas Minton, and his step son Timothy Watson. He is survived by his younger sister Janet N. Grimaldi; wife of 61 years, Janet “Becky”; his children, Alan Murray and his wife, Laurie (nee Studer), Amy Murray Twyning and her husband, John, Melissa Murray Rigney and her husband, Bill, and step son Lee Watson and his wife, Kathy (nee Chapman); his grandchildren, Lee (Shannon) Watson Jr., Megan (Josh) Bennett, Ian Murray, Emily (Austin) Stollings, Egan Rigney, Owen Rigney, and Finola Rigney; his great-grandchildren, Caleb and Leanna Watson, and Aiden Driver; and his nieces and nephews. 

Gary worked tirelessly the majority of his life and he served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He retired after 20 years of service in 1985 as a Lieutenant from the Philadelphia Police Department and spent over 25 years as a dedicated Federal Court Security Officer commended for keen service and protection. 

Following Gary’s exit from professional protection services he dutifully took up the near full time role of Pop-Pop, caring for his grandchildren and his granddogs, a job he enjoyed most of all that he continued nearly till the end of his life. 

Gary never had much time for hobbies or socializing. However, when he did, he enjoyed woodworking and when undertaking the task of building his family’s dining set or daughters’ shelving units, or the rear deck so solid you could park a truck on it, it was done with the utmost care and precision. Gary took to baking later in life and made the best apple cake and banana nut bread in town. Gary loved visiting with his sisters and their families in New Jersey and would spend hours talking. He was an avid reader and constantly strived to learn. He was an arbiter of facts and had a great capacity for deeper knowledge. He was a great admirer of all things Scottish and relished his 2 trips overseas to visit especially to Blair Castle. Gary was a great encourager whose mantras “Do it right or do it over” and “whatever it takes” could be relied on by his family to know he was always there for advice and support. Gary could always been seen walking his cherished dogs around Pennypack. Gary was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Philadelphia Lodge 5 and a Mason in the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. 

Family and Friends are welcomed to call to celebrate Gary’s life from 12 to 4 on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Ancient Order of Hibernians, 614 Corson Street, Bristol, PA 19007. A memorial service will be followed by refreshments and time for all to sit and share their stories of life with Gary. 

www.levinefuneral.com