Joseph M. Murray

Joseph M. Murray, 87, of Ringtown, passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital – Orwigsburg.

Born in Lost Creek on October 15, 1936, he was the son of the late Henry F. and Phyllis M. (McDonald) Murray. 

Joe was a 1953 graduate of the former West Mahanoy Township High School.  He furthered his education at Penn State and earned a degree from LaSalle College in Business Administration.  A few years later, Joe would attend the American Academy of McAllister’s Institute of Mortuary Science.  He would go on to be a licensed funeral director for over 50 years.

Joe was employed for 40 of those years with the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, in Shenandoah.  He also worked for the Bruce Hart Funeral Home, the Heizenroth Funeral Home, and lastly as supervisor for the Rothermel-Heizenroth-Clark Funeral and Cremation Services in Mount Carmel.

Outside of his career, Joe loved spending time with family and friends, especially at Knoebels.  He liked visiting relatives in New York and going to Coney Island, attending Broadway shows, Yankee games, and going to the movies and local parks.  He loved all sports and enjoyed attending and watching them on TV.  Joe was very proud of his Irish heritage, and some may remember him singing Irish songs around the local bars.  He had a fantastic memory and was interested in politics.

Joe was active in his community.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Ringtown and a member of the church choir.  He was a past Exalted Ruler of the Elks, a 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus, past President of the Hibernians, a member of the former Rum Dum’s, the Phoenix Fire Company/Ambulance Corps, and was also an Emergency Ambulance Attendant.

Besides his parents, he was preceded by two brothers and their wives, Henry Murray with his wife Leota, and John “Jack” Murray with his wife Amelda “Mel” Monaghan, and a niece, Jacquelyn Murray.

Joe is survived by 3 nieces - Theresa Kuzo, Phyllis Doherty, and Nelly Thomas, 3 nephews – Henry Murray, Frederick “Rick” Murray, and Michael Murray, along with several great nieces and nephews.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, April 2nd from 9:30 to 10:30am in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Ringtown.  Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:30am and will be celebrated by Fr. Dominic Pham.  Burial will immediately follow in the Annunciation BVM Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.  Those who are attending the services are encouraged to participate in the “wearin’ of the green” to honor Joe’s passion for his Irish heritage.

Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, Shenandoah with the assistance of Shawn E. Clark - Funeral Director, are entrusted with the arrangements.

To offer condolences, please visit: oravitzhomeforfunerals.com

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