John Murray Obituary

John F. Murray, 81, of Winter Haven, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on March 4, 2026, with his family by his side. He was born on October 19, 1944, in South City, Iowa. His life journey later took him to Danvers, Massachusetts; Hebron, New Hampshire; and to Winter Haven, Florida, where he retired. John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and step grandfather whose greatest joy was his family. He will be lovingly remembered for his strong work ethic, quick wit, and enduring humor, as well as for the courage and determination he showed while battling cancer-always focused on caring for his beloved wife, June. His love, strength, and presence left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

John proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves before beginning a life centered on devotion-to his family, his work, and the experiences that brought him joy. He married his beloved wife, June (Sirois), and together they built their home in Danvers, Massachusetts. While working full time, John attended Bentley University in the evenings, earning his bachelor's degree in accounting-a testament to his determination and work ethic. His dedication and integrity carried him to the role of Vice President of Finance at Addison Wesley Longman/Pearson. While he took great pride in his career, John's greatest fulfillment came from his family and from traveling the world for work, where he delighted in discovering new cultures and cuisines along the way.

John embraced life with curiosity and a joyful sense of adventure. He loved the thrill of dirt car races and proudly raced his purple Plymouth Hemi GTX down the quarter mile at New England Dragway. His love of flight led him to train as a pilot at Beverly Airport, where he delighted in taking his children up in the sky, sharing the wonder of flying and even practicing stalls and maneuvers together. That passion carried over into his meticulous craftsmanship, as he spent countless hours building model airplanes and participating in remote control plane clubs, including the Highland RC Club in Florida and the Mid Florida RC Club.

Music was another great joy in John's life and one that took him singing throughout New England. A bass singer, he performed with barbershop choruses (the "Northshoremen") and a quartet and later found comfort and fellowship through music at Landmark Baptist Church. Summers held a special place in his heart and were spent at Newfound Lake-first as cherished vacations and later at the summer home he and June shared in Stonegate Acres in Hebron, New Hampshire. There, they became avid golfers, a love that eventually led them to the Four Lakes Golf Community in Winter Haven, where they treasured living along the 17th fairway and the life they built together.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, June, John is survived by his three children, Michael and his wife, Rose, of Fremont, New Hampshire, Douglas and his wife, Jackie, of Peabody, Massachusetts, and Karen, who resides in the family home in Winter Haven, Florida. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Justin and Alex, and his step grandson, Mitchell Romani; his siblings, Rick, Bob, and Jody Morrow; and many dear friends and extended family members who will fondly remember him for his humor, his stories, and his love of Roman numerals. He was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Madeline (Collette) Murray.

The Murray family is deeply grateful to Bond Clinic, P.A., and their dedicated staff for the care John received-each of whom was given a unique nickname by John-as well as for the compassionate support provided by the Cornerstone Hospice staff. His witty humor and unwavering spirit touched all who knew him. John's bold personality will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause that was close to John's heart.