Obituary: John "Jack" Murray, 81, of Middletown

John (Jack) Murray, 81, of Middletown, went to meet his beloved wife Anne in heaven on Friday, April 29. Born in Middletown, CT, son of James and Mary Murray. He lived most of his life in Middletown and Portland where he served on many boards and commissions including the Board of Selectman.

Jack was an all-state athlete at Middletown High School, lettering in track and football all four years. He went on to play football for Boston University and semi-pro teams in Middletown. He also played football with the 7th Army in Germany.

He was an inductee in the Middletown Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 and attended every awards dinner since. In his later years he loved playing and watching golf. Jack was a member and past president of the Middletown chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, receiving the honor of Irishman of the Year in 1982.

Jack worked at several jobs in his career, including helping his father as a stone mason, as a salesman for Roytype, Burroughs Corp. and Beres Industries, before he found his true calling as a Judicial Marshall in the Middletown Courthouse. Jack met the love of his life, Anne Glynn in Hartford and they were married in 1960. They loved traveling and dancing together, and are sure to be enjoying their final trip and turn around the dance floor.

Jack leaves his brothers and best friends; Jim, Richard and wife Maureen, and Denny and wife Mary Ellen, all of Middletown. He also leaves his sister Eileen and her husband Lyle Mark of Braintree, MA. Jack leaves his children; Kathy and Dan D’Amelio of East Haddam, John and Mary Beth Murray of Meriden and Fiona and Mark Egan of Murphy Texas. He also was the loving “Poppy” to his grandsons; Cpt. Andrew D’Amelio, Pfc Alex Gondek and Colin D’Amelio, and two great grandsons; Archer and Alden D’Amelio.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held Monday, May 9, 2016, at Saint John Church, Middletown at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will be held at the State Veterans’ Cemetery.

Friends may call at Biega Funeral Home 3 Silver Street, Middletown on Sunday, May 8, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. John's Church Renovation Fund, 19 St John's Square, Middletown, CT 06457.