Mr. Raymond "Ray" Murray, Jr.

Mr. Raymond "Ray" Murray, Jr. (74) of Pittsfield passed away peacefully at his home on April 25, 2024, with his family lovingly by his side. Born in Pittsfield, MA on April 3rd, 1950, son of the late Raymond and Marian Lynch Murray. He graduated from St. Joseph's High School in 1968 and later attended Bentley College and served as an Army Reservist. For the majority of his career, Ray was employed by the former Sheaffer-Eaton Company in Pittsfield, MA and Crane & Company in Dalton, MA. It was at Crane & Company where he dedicated his last 30 years of employment before retiring in 2019. Ray was known for his kind heart, selflessness, and wonderful sense of humor. He always had entertaining stories and amazing memories to share which filled the room with laughter. He impacted the lives of many by coaching his children's teams and being a trusted adult for the countless teens who spent time at the Murray home. Among many things, Ray had a lifelong passion for horse racing. As a long-time owner, handicapper, and fan, he enjoyed sharing his love for the sport with family and friends. Later in life, he was dedicated to cheering on his grandchildren at their youth, high school, and college games. He enjoyed traveling and looked forward to annual Cape Cod vacations. He also enjoyed following the Boston sports teams and Duke Basketball. He played the violin during his childhood and rekindled this hobby in more recent years. Raymond is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, the former Donna Venturini, whom he married on September 22, 1973. He leaves behind two children, Jeffrey Murray (wife Joan Murray) and Erin Murray Gaiero (husband David Gaiero), five grandchildren, Brandon Murray, Sierra Murray, Jacob Gaiero, Owen Gaiero, and Mason Gaiero, two brothers, Michael Murray (wife Joanne Galvagni Murray) and Edward Murray (wife Maureen Ryan Murray), Sister-in-laws, Diane Venturini Manns (husband Francis Manns) and Susan Venturini Kelly (husband Timothy Kelly), fourteen nieces and nephews and their growing families. He also leaves behind his close friends Joseph and Sandra Ramsey who were like family to him. Funeral Notice: Calling hours for Ray will be Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 4pm to 7pm at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Funeral services will be Friday, May 3, 2024, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11am at St. Charles Church, celebrated by the Rev. Christopher Malatesta, Pastor of St. Agnes. In support of Ray's passion for horse racing and the many benefits his grandchildren and other children receive through youth sports, in lieu of flowers, donations in Ray's memory can be made to the Retired Thoroughbred Foundation or the Ashland Clocker Club in care of Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Raymond "Ray" Murray, Jr.

April 3, 1950 - April 25, 2024