Francis J. Murray

January 3, 2020

Francis J. Murray Francis J. "Fran" Murray, 71, of Watertown, NY passed away Friday, January 3, 2020.

Calling hours will be held at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown on Tuesday, January 7, from 4 - 6 PM. A prayer service will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 8, at 10:15 AM followed by the funeral mass celebrated at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church at 11 AM with Rev. Jonas Tandayu, MSC presiding. Burial will be at the convenience of his family in Calvary Cemetery.

Fran was born in Elmira, NY on November 23, 1948, son of John and Anne Pecoraro Murray. He entered the US Army on March 18, 1968 and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant on November 27, 1970. In 1978 he opened McCrory Store, Watertown. In 1984 he started Murray's Hardware which he owned and operated until 2009. Currently, he was employed by Nascentia Health, driving patients to their doctor's appointments. He was a member of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church and its choir. Fran was the volunteer DAV coordinator for Jefferson County.

He is survived by his life partner Sandra Faylo, Watertown; son William A. Murray, Liverpool; daughter Michelle A. Murray-Hitchcock, Minneapolis, MN; two grandchildren, Daniel and Liliana; and niece MaryAnn Talverdi, FL. His sister, Kathleen E. Brown, predeceased him.

In lieu of flowers donations in Fran's name may be made to DAV Transportation, 800 Irving Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210 or Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, 320 W. Lynde St., Watertown, NY 13601. Online condolences to his family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.

Comments

123

#21 Robert Cooke 2020-01-08 10:17

Fran was one of the most dedicated, conscientious and committed leaders I have ever met. He was my boss within the DAV for approximately 7 years. He made our DAV region run like a well-oiled machine. The veterans and drivers who were privileged enough to have had contact with Fran can never realize what a true friend he was for them. It's not just a cliché when I say Fran will be sorely missed. He was a true gentleman. I imagine right now he's up at the Pearly Gates organizing everyone into proper lines and making things run smoothly.. .

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#20 Paul J Pecori 111 2020-01-07 10:20

My deepest condolences to Fran's family for their huge loss. Francis was a very knowledgeable person and took much pride in inhis his causes such as with the DAV for one. He defiantly will be missed...

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#19 Carl Disalvatore 2020-01-07 09:21

The local veterans community lost a giant this week. Fran dedicated untold hours every week to ensure our local DAV vans were up and working and the local veterans had access to transportation to their VA appointments and that the VA minimize bureaucratic rules interfering with their medical care. His work and effort epitomized the term, "selfless service". Our community was a much better place due to Fran's tireless efforts.

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#18 nelson 2020-01-07 09:14

fran was a good fella however those trips to Lyons Falls made him a bit testy.

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#17 Anne Delaney 2020-01-06 22:49

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Fran. My husband and I were friends with him for many years. Sandy, you brought new light into his life and I know he loved you dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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#16 ray and janet moser 2020-01-06 18:55

sandy and family we are so sorry to lose a great friend but he now in the are of the lord may god comfort you all in the coming days and may he rest in peace

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#15 Scott Hitchcock 2020-01-06 18:07

Fran was a very caring man, and loved his family. The world will miss you Sir.

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#14 Michael Fospero 2020-01-06 16:21

Fran was such a presence at Nascentia. He was funny and kind and gave so much to our members. He will be missed by everyone he knew, and I am a better person for having the pleasure of working with him these past few years. My prayers are with Sandy and his children.

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#13 Heidi Smith 2020-01-06 16:02

Please accept the many condolences from Fran's many members that he made feel so comfortable riding to and from their medical appts. I do not believe I have ever heard kinder words from so many individuals about one person. He truly touched so many lives with his compassionate, caring ways and will be missed by all that had the honor to know him. God Bless.

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#12 ROBERTS AUTOMOTIVE S 2020-01-06 12:04

Our family is very saddened by this news. Fran was not only a business associate but a friend. He will be sadly missed. Steve & Karen Roberts

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