Obituary of Chester J. Murray

Chester J. Murray, 80 of Binghamton, formerly of Endwell, died unexpectedly Wednesday evening, June 11, 2003 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents, George F. and Catherine Murray; his brother, George; and a son-in-law, William W. Mozingo. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marie McCarthy Murray, Binghamton; his children, Kathleen M. Murray, Binghamton, Michael P. Murray, York, Maine, Mary Beth and Arnold Rauscher, Hannawa Falls, Patrick J. Murray, Tariffville, Conn., Pamela and Richard Cirzeveto, Endicott, Maureen Murray, Westford, Mass., Anne Murray Mozingo, York, Maine; six grandsons, Karsten Murray, Nicholas Murray, Matthew Rauscher, Jeremy Rauscher, Darin Blizzard and "the light of his life," William Wyatt Murray Mozingo, several nieces and nephews, brother-in-law, Walter McCarthy; sister-in-law, Margaret and Tom Murray. Chet was a daily communicant and member of St. James Church, Johnson City and a former member of Our Lady of Angels Church, Endwell. He retired from Philip J. Laroway Co. after a long sales career in the grocery business and later worked at Endwell Greens as the starter. He was a US Navy veteran of WWII; member of American Legion Post 1700; member of Knights of Columbus Endicott Council 1839 and a 4th degree Knight and member of the V.F.W. Though he turned 80 in March, with his large, loving family beside him, he eagerly awaited the planned celebration of his long life at Yankee Stadium next month. A huge Yankee fan, Chet was happiest on game night. His philosophy of life was summed up in a hand written quote found on the table next to his favorite chair: "Our greatest glory consists, not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Funeral services will be held at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main St., Binghamton, Monday at 11 a.m. and at 11:30 a.m. at St. James Church, where a Funeral Mass will be offered. Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the McCormack Funeral Home, Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Chet may be made to St. James Church Memorial Fund, 155 Main St., Johnson City, NY 13790.