IN MEMORIAM: Frank L. Murray III, 53;

Heavy Equipment Operator On State Canals

SPRINGFIELD – Frank Luke Murray III, 53, a heavy equipment operator with the state Canal Corp., passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 29, 2019, at his home.

He was born on Feb. 3, 1966 in Westerly, R.I., son of Antoinette Girouard Murray and the late Frank L. Murray.  A lifelong area resident he was a graduate of Mount Markham High School,  then went on to  SUNY Morrisville and Diesel Technical Institute in Enfield, Conn.

Mr. Murray had worked for 11 years as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator for HO Penn Co. in Newington, Conn., then returned to New York State, working as a mechanic with the state Department of Transportation for 14 years.  Currently, he was a heavy equipment operator for the state Canal Corp.

Since 2006, he and his wife Cheryl have lived in Springfield, where Frank found great joy in owning and working his own hobby farm with beef cattle, pigs and chickens.  In his leisure time, he was an avid bird watcher.

To all who knew him, found him to be a kind, caring and helpful man.  Always ready to lend a hand while looking for nothing in return.  He will be sadly missed by his many friends and family, especially his two cherished sons.

Surviving are his mother Antoinette, his loving wife Cheryl Bowen Murray, and two sons, Frank L. Murray IV and Sean Murray, all of Springfield; four sisters, Patrica Anne Murray and her husband Russell Carpenter of Edmeston, Denise McLean of Stamford, and Jane F. Murray and Susan A. Murray, both of Springfield; two sisters-in-law, Patti Bowen and Linda Bowen with Robert Kirker all of Albany; a niece, Jackie McLean; one great-niece, Alexis Sartar, and a great nephew, Anthony Sartar.

Besides his father Frank Luke Murray II, he was preceded in death by  a nephew, Jason McLean

Calling hours will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs, immediately followed at 1 p.m. by a funeral service, also at the funeral home.  Interment will follow in Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, Richfield Springs.

Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Cooperstown Emergency Squad or the Springfield Emergency Responders.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.