Gilbert Murray

Gilbert “Gil” F. Murray Sr., Our Dad dreamed of heaven some months ago. He would later describe the beauty of this dream and his profound disappointment upon waking only to find he was still earthbound. On January 21, 2022, heaven became sweeter when Dad traveled home to be with his Lord and his family who had gone before. His passing was not due to COVID, but to his courageous battle with multiple myeloma; he was adamant the record be set straight. Dad was 88 years old.

His family included his daughters, Suzanne and Patsy; and his sons, Gil Jr. and Charles; along with his grandchildren, Kacie, Lindsay, Daulton, Travis and Elise. His great-grandchildren, Stella, Meredith and Ryan brought him much joy these last seven years and knew him as “Papa Chocolate” because of his love for Milton Hershey School and all things Hershey chocolate. His family meant everything to him. We always knew how much we were loved, and how proud he was.

He was fortunate to marry two wonderful women, Marlene and Estene. He lived his vows taking care of Marlene through breast and bone cancer and Estene through Alzheimer’s. They were each in their own way perfect for him. His later years were spent with Patty, his world-wide travel companion, nightly news, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune watching girlfriend. As he would say to us, I got the best one! As his health declined, Patty ran him to doctor appointments, out-patient surgeries and anything else that he thought he could hide from us. Their love was special and we are deeply indebted to her.

Dad did not want a service, but for people to remember him the last time they saw him: telling stories and jokes and giving love and chocolate.