Robert A. Murray

Robert Andrew Murray, 99, Syracuse Home Association, Baldwinsville, New York, formerly of Jamesville, New York passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2011 while surrounded by loving family. He was born in Syracuse, New York to Andrew and Una Murray. Una immigrated from England about 1889 and Andrew immigrated from Scotland in May, 1888 with his family moving to Long Lake, New York where his dad, William, became superintendent of F.C Durant estate. Bob's Uncle Joseph Sabattis (1918-1951) was a taxidermist in Long Lake and a well known wilderness guide who guided for General E. A. McAlpin at Brandreth Lake, New York. His Aunt Margaret owned the Murray General Store in Long Lake and Bob passes on over 40 years of happy memories with family and friends at Long Lake, Blue Mountain Lake and surrounding areas.Bob and family moved to Pulaski, New York where father, Andrew partnered in the Acker and Murray General Store. Bob worked in the store and also cared for their delivery carriage horse, Ted, and he delighted in having his visitors ring Ted's sleigh bells. While attending Syracuse University, in 1932, he worked as a lifeguard at Selkirk Shores State Park and became Chief lifeguard. He met that beautiful blonde, Natalie West while they both sang in the Church choir. When they decided to marry, they would be in violation of current Syracuse University policy so they traveled to Rome, New York to get a marriage license thereby avoiding it being listed in Syracuse newspapers. They were married in their own church August 17, 1933 by the late Rev. Arthur B. Merriman. Bob has worked at Syracuse Floor Covering, Niagara Mohawk, and while at General Electric helped build Naval steam turbines and the world's first English designed jet plane engine. In the 1940's he started his own business, Gas Equipment Company and had many happy customers in and around Syracuse until retiring in his 70's. In 1950 he bought a lot with a fabulous view of The Valley and Syracuse on Graham Road, Jamesville, New York. He designed and built his own house with help from his wife and three children. He had many wonderful neighbors who watched over him and assisted him in his declining years. Bob was a founding member of the Sentinel Heights Fire Department, help build their first tanker truck, made a wall clock and a ballroom dance light of many mirrors for the building. He developed a directory of properties in the fire district and in 1970's helped create their current fire barn building. He was Fire Chief for 2 years and held various offices. He ws a member of JASS Society and St. Andrew's Society. Bob is predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Natalie, his parents and brother, Bruce Douglas. Bob is survived by daughters, Kay Andrea Rerick of Cranston, Rhode Island and Diane Kellet (Richard) Bowes of Baldwinsville, New York; son, Robert Bruce, Phd, (Charlyn Dewalt, Phd.) of Schenectady, New York; sisters, Jane Murray of Alexandria,Virgina and Dorothy (Deans) of Pulaski, New York, eight grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. "Furth, Fortune and Fill the Fetters". A celebration of his life will be held at the Church of The Saviour, 437 James Street, Syracuse, New York on Saturday, April 9, 20011 at 1:00 p.m. with internment of ashes in the columbarium. A reception to follow for family and friends at the Sentinel Heights Fire Barn, 4200 Dave Tilden Road, Jamesville New York. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Syracuse Home Association, 7740 Meigs Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027, Church of The Saviour, 437 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13203 and Sentinel Heights Volunteer Fire Department, 4200 Dave Tilden Road, Jamesville, NY 13078. The family expresses special thanks and praise to the Syracuse Home Association, particularly Unit Two, for providing extraordinary care and comfort to Bob, family and friends.

Robert A. Murray

September 17, 1911 - March 30, 2011