Bernard Murray Service Information

Bernard James Murray passed from this life on September 15, 2023 surrounded by love.  He was born in Philadelphia, PA on April 24, 1932 to Johanna (nee Sullivan) and Anthony Harry  Murray. Growing up on 4100 Cottman Avenue,  Bernie attended St. Bernard Grade School, graduating from North Catholic in 1950. A proud alumnus of North Catholic, he always appreciated the many caps and shirts he received with the NC logo.  High school sweethearts, Bernie and Kathleen (nee O’Hare), married on June 21, 1952. By their twelfth anniversary, they were blessed with ten children. As a teen in the 1940’s, Bernie had always been quite industrious, especially when money could be made:  delivering eggs, newspapers and groceries in Mayfair. He continued exercising his strong work ethic and thriftiness working two jobs to support his family. For a majority of his working life, Bernie was a salesman for the Summit Tea Company by day, and a guard at Liberty Bell Race Track by night.   Bernie had a zest for living that was contagious. An avid runner, he completed the Philadelphia Marathon and many Broad Street Runs. Running daily in lush Pennypack Park, we all knew his favorite tree, the Atlas Cedar. Bernie made friends easily and understood the joy of friendship. He was a life-long learner who read two newspapers a day, valued knowledge, and encouraged his children to pursue dreams of higher education.

       Bernie was the heart and soul of his family.  He loved telling long-winding stories to his children and grandchildren, a frosty mug of Heineken at the ready.  Entertaining one and all with tales of evading Knobby Walsh at North Catholic, throwing a bachelor party for Stew at 81, or the time he discovered the pitfalls of using a gas station bathroom. Some grandchildren have taken to memorizing Pop’s Tales. A best seller may be in the offing.

      Bernie was predeceased by his devoted wife of seventy years, Kathleen, brothers Anthony and Gerard, sisters Clare and Helen. He is survived by his ten children: Bernard (Maryann), Mary  Lou (Dennis Balasa), Steve, Patty ( Eddie Ferreira), Kim (Gary Rickus), Charles (Karyn), Linda,  Peggy (Kevin McLaughlin), Janet (Rick Muscavage) and Christine (John Jenkins). Also survived  by daughter-in-law, Jane Murray, brother Francis, sister Rita Brogan, life-long friend, Stewart Barbera, sisters-in-law Betty Murray and Nora Gammon, twenty-five grandchildren-  forging a special relationship with each one, twenty-two great grandchildren-with three on the way  to round out the family who will miss Pop more than words can say. Rest easy with your bride in paradise, until we meet again. 

Relatives and friends are invited to call Sunday, September 24^th from 6 to 8pm at the Galzerano Funeral Home, 9304 Old Bustleton Avenue, Phila PA 19115 and again on Monday, September 25^th from 9:30 to 10:30am at St. Jerome Church, 8100 Colfax St Phila PA 19136.  His Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30am.  Interment Our Lady of Grace Cemetery.

       The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at St. Joseph’s Manor- Memory Care Unit, who helped take care of our father these past few months. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to: St. Joseph Manor-MCU-Activities

Mail to:

St. Joseph Manor

Attn: Gina Meng-Memory Care Unit

1616 Huntingdon Pike

Meadowbrook, PA 19046

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