Obituary of David J. Murray

Guilderland - On February 1, 2024, David Murray died peacefully in his sleep after suffering a long illness. He was a 1965 graduate of HVCC where he earned a degree in Construction Technology. He was a member of the Ironworkers Union Local 12. He worked in structural steel and later in steel reinforced concrete. He had his own business and worked with many amazing characters in the field. 

He was an Army Reservist during the Vietnam War serving as a medic in a military hospital in Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio TX. He was a faithful son of Ireland and belonged to Irish Northern Aid for many years and served as its chairman for a few of those years. It was his great honor to be involved with this organization, and to be honored with the Liam Ryan award. To his great delight he was once the Grand Marshal of the Albany St Patrick's Day Parade.

He was one of eight children born to Dorothy (Malone) Murray and Joseph Murray of Colonie. 

He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife Linda (James) Murray;hHis children, Jennifer (Nick) Barnicle, Christina (David) Wesoloski, Susan Velasco and Jay Kesslen; his grandchildren, Steevi (John) Savaria, Jacob Barnicle, Gabriela (Dom) Candelieri, Catherine (Kevin Connolly) Wesoloski, Colin Wesoloski, Liam Barnicle and great grand-daughter Norah Savaria.  He was the brother of Paul (Nina) Murray, Craig (MaryAnn predeceased) Murray, Larry Murray (predeceased) Joseph(Patty)Murray, Lynn Donnelly, Michael (Kim) Murray and Richard Murray. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

There is not enough room or time to recount all of his other adventures and accolades.  David was funny, caring, handsome, stylish, loyal, and had a magnetic personality. Everyone wanted to be around him. He loved to golf, spend time with family, and to have a few beers with the guys. He was a student of history and nature; and he could actually remember what he read! In the end only his love for us, and our love for him, mattered. David was the light of our lives and always will be. 

Special thanks to: Kim Jones - you did the impossible every day and took such loving care of him. We couldn't have done it without you. Dr Zen of NYOH- letting David stay on as a patient, even after he was essentially cured, was a blessing. He respected and adored you. Dr Lemansky- for always trying! Friends and family that called or visited and went out with Linda and David to give them a brief respite from the isolation they were feeling.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Colonie.  Burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Colonie.  Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the funeral home Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, prior to the service.