Obituary of John K. Murray

John K. Murray  

John K. Murray, 68, beloved husband of Deborah (Becker) of Harbeson, DE passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.  

John was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 23, 1955, the son of the late Kenneth and the late Dolores (McGinnis) Murray. He later moved to King of Prussia, PA, graduating from Upper Merion High School in 1973 and from Wilmington College in 1978 with a BS in Criminal Justice.   

John’s passion for Criminal Justice led him to achieve two very esteemed careers in his lifetime.  The first with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, spanned over 34 years and saw him rise from a Corrections Officer Trainee at Graterford Prison to being appointed Regional Deputy Secretary of Corrections by Governor Tom Corbett in 2013.  John was respected by subordinates and superiors alike. Known for his “Open Door” policy, John was a great mentor, always willing to listen and advise.   Highly regarded in so many ways, his opinion was often sought by many, even after his retirement.   

As an Army Intel Analyst, Staff Sergeant John K. Murray served with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in the 1^st Battalion, 111th Infantry in Norristown, PA. Upon his retirement he was awarded, by the President of the United States, by Executive Order, The Meritorious Service Medal, in recognition of 21 years of outstanding service, professionalism, and excellent performance of duty.  In both his professional and military careers, John was continually recognized for being a “by the book” leader who was also approachable and friendly and for setting the example for others and for always striving to achieve the highest level you can in all you do.    

In his retirement years, John started a third career, earning his Real Estate License in North Carolina, where he enjoyed the great golf weather, entertaining friends and making many memories.  A doting “Pops”, the birth of grandkids brought John closer to family, settling in Harbeson, DE where he built his forever home, close to generations of family.  John will be remembered for his sense of humor, his strong character, and above all a loving and caring husband, father, brother, and friend.   

Survivors include Wife Deborah Murray of Harbeson, DE, Daughter Sadie (& Thomas) Keiser of Pottstown, PA, Daughter Lisa (& Edward) Borkowski of Plymouth Meeting, PA Daughter Rebecca (& George Sambuca) Murray of Philadelphia, PA, Brother Kenneth (& Cindy) Murray of Skippack, PA, Sister Dawn Zebuhr of Merrimack, NH, also survived by his grandchildren McKenna, Wyatt, and Jett Borkowski, Pearl Keiser and many nieces and nephews.   

His Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 10:30 AM from Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 300 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, PA. Friends may call on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the funeral home. 

Interment will take place in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA December 6, 2023, at 1:30PM.   

Memorial Contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made in his memory to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation - www.T2T.org   2361 Hyland Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 

Arrangements by Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 300 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, PA, (610) 828-0330.
www.msrfh.com.