John R. Murray

Deacon John R. Murray, 89, Clayton passed away Monday, April 8, 2024, at St. Joseph's Nursing Home, Ogdensburg where he had resided for four years.

   John was born in Syracuse on February 11, 1935, the son of Frank B. and Elizabeth (O'Hara) Murray, and graduated from St. Anthony's School, Syracuse. On October 22, 1955, he married Beverly J. McCloy at St. Anthony's Church, Syracuse.

   He was a relay tester for Niagara Mohawk, Syracuse for 27 years, retiring in November 1994. However, John's true passion was the Catholic Church, and his proudest achievement was being ordained a Deacon on August 8, 1987. John served as a Deacon for 32 years, including at St. Anne's Church, Manlius, and St. Patrick's Church, Chittenango. While in Syracuse, he was a member of the Bernie Schmidt Singers, Pieta Prayer Group in Liverpool, and Divine Mercy Prayer Group and volunteered at Community Hospital. John also was a member of the Third Order of Franciscans.

   Upon retirement, John and Beverly moved to Clayton and their home on the river in 1997. John served as a Deacon at St. Anthony's Church, Watertown, and was a communicant at St. Mary's Church, Clayton. John volunteered for Meals on Wheels, the Clayton Opera House, and the Antique Boat Museum. In 2012 he was Jefferson County Volunteer of the Year.

   John is survived by his wife of 69 years, Beverly, Ogdensburg; one daughter, Linda Stagnitta (partner Tom Booth), Alexandria Bay, and six sons, John R. Murray, Jr., Chittenango, William P. (Hazel) Murray, Nicaragua, David A. Murray, Chandler, AZ, Daniel J. (Elizabeth) Murray, Clayton, NY, Scott A. Murray, Syracuse, NY, and Christopher J. (Jessica) Murray, Clayton; 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; brother Thomas M. (Linda) Murray, Houston, TX; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his son Steven F. Murray, March 2, 1996, and brother Francis H. Murray, 2008.

   Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 16, at St. Mary's Church from 4 - 7 PM. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 17, at the church at 11 AM followed by burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Clayton. Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton and online condolences to John's family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph's Nursing Home for their care and devotion to John and in lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Joseph’s Foundation at 950 Linden St., Ogdensburg, NY 13669.

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