Richard J. Murray

GUILDERLAND - Richard J. Murray, 77, of Guilderland, entered into eternal life on Thursday, February 04, 2021 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

A native of Utica, NY, he was educated in local Catholic schools.  He graduated from LeMoyne College with a degree in Political Science and from the (now) SUNY Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy with a master’s degree in Public Administration.

After graduation, he entered the US Navy and was sent to the Officers Candidate School in Newport, RI.  With his Ensign’s commission, he was assigned to duty with the Atlantic Fleet’s Amphibious Forces in Norfolk, VA.

Upon his release from Active Duty, he remained in the Navy’s Ready Reserve program for twenty-five years, attaining the rank of Captain.  He also held that rank concurrently in the New York State Naval Militia, one of the few Federally recognized Naval Militias in the country, completing forty years’ service there.

After leaving active military service, he returned to Albany and began a thirty-four-year career in New York State government, first with the (now) Division of Criminal Justice Services and then as Administrative Officer of the State Board of Elections.

He was married to the former Mary Therese (Terry) Kunkel for more than fifty years and was the proud father of two wonderful daughters, Michelle C. Murray of Albany and Kristen T. Marsh of Loudonville.  The joy of his later years was his granddaughter, Aria Therese Marsh, who was always “Granda’s Princess.”  He is also survived by his brother, Kevin (the late Kathy), as well as numerous in-laws, nephews, and nieces.  He greatly enjoyed preparing Sunday dinners for his family-always served with wine-and an occasional glass of Jack Daniel’s.

Dick was active in his parish, Christ the King Church, serving as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, as part of the Bereavement Ministry and as a Wedding Coordinator.  A member of Guilderland Elks Lodge #2480 for more than forty years, he twice served as its Exalted Ruler.  He was a member of the American Legion, the Association of the US Navy and was an honorary member of the Capital District Chief Petty Officers Association.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Dick’s family on Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Christ the King Church, 20 Sumter Ave. Guilderland. Face masks are required and social distancing will be observed. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday morning at 10:00 am at Christ the King Church.  The Mass will be livestreamed on the church website (www.ctkparishny.org).  Entombment will follow at the Mausoleum at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, in Niskayuna.

At Dick’s request, please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be sent to Christ the King Church, 20 Sumter Avenue, Albany, 12203, or to the Lustgarten Foundation (lustarten.org), 415 Crossways Park Drive, Suite D. Woodbury, NY 11797, which funds pancreatic cancer research with 100% of its donations. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com