HUDSON FALLS – Michael Matthew Murray, 87, passed away on August 7, 2021, at home surrounded by family.
Born in Longwood, County Meath, Ireland, the seventh of nine children, to William and Julia Murray, Mike emigrated to New York in 1956 with his future wife Margaret Rose Murray (née McKenna).
They married on October 19, 1957, and together had five children: Ann Marie Murray Pousatis (Demetrios); Kathleen Murray Mallon (John); Michael Murray (Sharon); Brian Murray (Theresa); and Angela Murray-Gregory (Charlie). Mike had 11 grandchildren: Brendan Murray (Allison); Sheelagh Pousatis Thompson (Jason); Kathleen Leitch (Chris); Conor Mallon; Alannah Pousatis Schapley (Brett); Seamus Murray (Janelle); Mairead Murray; Rory Murray (Ashley); Liam Mallon; Diarmuid Gregory; Aidan Gregory; and was great-grandfather to James Murray, Declan Leitch, and Saoirse Rose Murray. He will be missed by his surviving siblings Liam Murray, Patricia Murray, Angela Hughes, Fonsie Murray, and his many nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends. He is predeceased by his wife Margaret and brothers Tommy, Breen, Wally, and Kevin.
Mike loved his family, celebrating holidays, baptisms, first communions, confirmations, weddings, and graduations along with enjoying everyday moments. Mike and Margaret welcomed Margaret’s brother Michael McKenna into their family, and he became our older brother.
His love of sports began in Ireland where he played hurling and Gaelic football with his brothers. Nothing gave him more pleasure than cheering on his grandchildren in their various sports and activities.
Mike was a master carpenter. Much of his work was done at Sandy Hill Foundry but his handiwork can be seen in many of the local buildings and churches and especially at the Creamy Delights ice cream shop. He passed on his skills to his children and nephews, hiring them for summer construction work. Several of his nephews from Ireland spent a summer in Hudson Falls, working and living with the Murray family and bonding with their American cousins.
Mike and Margaret were owners of the ice cream shop Creamy Delights for 20 years where they mentored many high school and college students who worked for them. After retiring, Mike built the current Jack and Jill building during the summer of 2001, with help from his friends. In a sense, it took a village to raise this building.
Mike was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church where he loved being an usher. He was a member of the Glens Falls chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, promoting Irish culture with festivals, music, and dance. Mike and Margaret loved waltzing at the Hibernian balls.
The Murray family is grateful to all their friends and family for their support and for the love and care that Donna, Tara, and Joan gave Mike throughout this past year.
Friends may call on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, in Hudson Falls.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 a.m., on Thursday August 12, 2021, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, in Hudson Falls.
In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made in Mike’s memory to the Open Door Missions, 226 Warren St., Glens Falls, NY 12801 or Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern NY, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany NY 12205.
Kathleen and family, may you all know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your love and dedication to your parents is unmatched.
Your Dad was such a kind and generous man and sharing his knowledge of his craft he will be missed by all. May he R.I.P.
Thinking of our cousins Michael, Ann Marie, Kathleen, Brian and Angela, their spouses and family at this sad time. We have great memories from the last time Mike was with us here in Ireland and our trip with you around the beautiful Ring of Kerry, Galway and Mike’s home County of Meath, just a few years ago.
Great summer memories also in Hudson Falls and Lake George and all that Mike, Margaret and our cousins did for us.
Uncle Mike was great to work for and with and was always fair – if and when you put in the work. Still don’t know why he put me on a jackhammer one morning at 6.30am when he knew I had a hangover!!!! Et Pace Mike…
Thank you Bill and Susan. We all hope to see you next summer
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
RIP Mike! You were a great teacher & mentor.
What a wonderful man – hard-working, kind, good natured, and a wonderful father and husband to an incredible family. Many fond memories, especially when he would drive me, Kathleen, AnnMarie, and my two sisters to our weekly Irish dancing lessons. 🍀 💚
To all the Murray Family..Thinking of you all at this time. Especially Kathleen John Conor & Liam..Angela Charlie & boys.
We are so glad we met your Mum & Dad here in Galway. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
All our love
Barry Imelda Bàirbre & Anna (Finnegan)
Mountbellew Co. Galway.
Xxx
Brian and Theresa and family – we are so very sorry for your loss. We hope all the love in your family and all your wonderful memories will envelope you and provide some measure of comfort. I know Mr. Murray was proud of you both and and the beautiful, amazing family you raised. His legacy will continue through your family. Hugs to you and Seamus, Mairead, and Rory. Close to our hearts and thinking of you. . .
Mike was a good man – the best. We are grateful for all he did for our family and blessed to have known him.
Jill Schermerhorn
to the Murray family, my sympathy goes to you for your loss. Mike and Margaret were good friends for many years as our families grew up on Weston Ave. rest assured they will be looking out for you all;
Dear Margaret and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. One can’t help but smile when they think of Mr. Murray, his warm and loving spirit was contagious. I only hope that during the challenging days ahead that your special memories might help bring you peace. Thoughts and prayers with you during this difficult time.
Dear Murray Family, thinking of you at this sad time. Mike and Margaret were the most charming ,warmest, hard working people.
I was always so grateful for the times they opened early for my Pre-Schoolers to get ice cream. They had such kindness and understanding for my son Mike. when i think of them they will bring a smile to my face.
Hugs and Sympathy to all.