Bernard Murray of Norristown

Bernard “Bernie” Murray passed away peacefully on Monday, January 1, 2018 at Penn Medicine Rittenhouse in Philadelphia, PA. He was 67.

Born in Norristown, PA on December 20, 1950, he was a son of the late John J. Murray, Jr. and Sophia (Burry) Murray. Surviving is his loving family including his wife of 40 years, Linda (Ayres) Murray; a daughter, Kristen Murray of King of Prussia, PA; a son, Brian Murray and his wife, Catherine, of Ambler, PA; two grandchildren, Ian and Claire; five brothers, Jay Murray of Phoenixville, PA, Patrick and Connie Murray of Ambler, PA, Dennis Murray of Norristown, PA, Michael and Gail Murray of West Pottsgrove, PA, and Knute Murray of Norristown, PA; and a sister-inlaw, Patricia Ayres, and her husband, John Pigott, of Mason, OH; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by a sisterin-law, Donna Murray.

Bernie was a lifelong resident of Norristown, PA. Growing up as the third oldest of six brothers, he was tough as they come, lovingly earning him the nickname “Rock.” Bernie was a US Army veteran, serving as a combat engineer (Spec 4) in the 237th Engineer Battalion in Heilbronn, Germany. He later served as part of the National Guard, 1st Battalion, 11th Infantry. After the service, Bernie worked as a maintenance officer for Montgomery County Correctional Facility for over 30 years, until his retirement in 2008.

Bernie was very proud of his Irish heritage, as a charter member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Notre Dame Div. 1of Montgomery County, Bernie was a member for 28 years. He also became a charter member of Irish Thunder Pipes and Drums, which was started by the members of the AOH in order to embrace their heritage even further. He also enjoyed fishing, playing cards and chess, as well as science fiction and martial arts. Bernie will always be remembered for his kindness, his smile and laughter, his big blue eyes, and his love of his Irish family. Bernie was a loving husband, father, pop-pop, brother, and friend to all, and he will be deeply missed by many.

Relatives & friends are invited to Bernie’s Funeral Mass at St. Patrick Church, 714 DeKalb St., Norristown, PA on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 10:00 am. His viewings will be Friday evening from 6 to 8:00 pm, at The Bacchi Funeral Home and Crematory, Ltd., 805 DeKalb St. (Rt. 202), Bridgeport, PA; also Saturday morning from 9 to 9:45 am, at the church. Interment will be in SS. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Cemetery, King of Prussia, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bernie’s memory to the Melanoma Research and Patient Care Fund, Penn Medicine Development, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750 Philadelphia, PA 19104; giving.apps.upenn.edu/ fund?program=MC&fu nd=601671&appeal=PM WEB.

Condolences to the family at www.bacchifh. com.