Update: Community Mourns Brendan Murray

Brendan Murray, a 2011 Perkiomen Valley High School graduate and Perkiomen Township resident, unexpectedly died Monday, Nov. 28. He was 19 years old.

He is survived by his family, including his parents, Douglas and Sheryl, and brother Douglas Jr., as well as his longtime girlfriend, Jessica Boyle.

Brendan was a freshman at Shippensburg University.

During his high school years, he was co-captain of the Vikings football team. His former coach Tim Connolly emphasized that Brendan “always put others first (wanted to make sure everyone else was OK), and was always smiling.”

According to his obituary, respects may be paid Friday, Dec. 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the All Saints Episcopal Church, 535 Haws Ave, Norristown, PA. The memorial service will be held afterwards. Interment is private.

Read the full obituary here.

Perkiomen Valley High School students are planning to hold at the football stadium Thursday at 7 p.m.

 Memories of Brendan:

Cyndi Lewis, Perkiomen Valley High School principal:
Brendan was one of our office aides his senior year. He was always smiling and willing to help us out. Brendan was one of those good guys. He was a friend to everyone; his loss has deeply affected our community. He was like a big brother to many underclassmen, taking other kids under his wing. Our prayers go out to the Murray family, and his loss has left a hole in our hearts.

Brandon Strunk, former teammate and friend:
I would just say that is very sad for all that knew Brendan, he was a good kid who could lighten up any room he walked into. He was a natural leader on and off the football field and always gave it 110 percent when he was given the opportunity. I give my hopes and prayers out to the Murray family that they can get through this tough loss. Brendan was the kind of kid no one expected to lose. He was just such good friend, good guy, good teammate.

Mark Malantonio, friend:
Brendan was the type of kid that made us all laugh. He was a great person and a hardworking man. He shared a bond not only with his closest friends but with his family that no one could ever break. He developed a strong love for a girl named Jessica, and they were great together. Always laughing having a great time, true love that could never be separated. I have a bunch of favorite memories that I shared with Brendan. Memories like playing football in the backyard when we were little kids, to seeing him accept his diploma and telling each other, “Congratulations, we did it.”
We lost a very special person, and the Class of 2011 will never be the same because of it.

Josh Ladowitz, friend:
Brendan Parker Murray was one of a kind. He was one of those kids that could always make you laugh and put a smile on your face. He was easily one of the funniest kids I ever knew. I do not ever think I saw him upset. He was happy all the time. I grew up with Brendan and have known him since third grade. He was an amazing athlete and had so much potential. Everybody loved Brendan because he was such a great person and a great friend. I remember the times when I used to go to his street and we would play football, baseball, hockey, etc. We used to get everyone on the street to play manhunt at night and I miss those times. Brendan was loved by everyone, and he impacted so many lives. It is horrible to see him gone and I miss him so much. My prayers go out to the Murray family, and their son was an amazing human being.