GLOUCESTER - Richard “Dick” Laurel Murray, 84, of 53 Wheeler Street, died early Sunday evening, March 9, 2014, at his home with his family by his side. He was the husband of the late Ann (Connor) Murray, who died in July of 2010. They had shared 60 years of marriage.
He was born in Gloucester on November 28, 1929 to the late Thomas J. Murray and Lucia (Silveria) Murray. He attended local schools and in 1946 joined the United States Coast Guard. He served on several ships including the Warchusetts and upon his honorable discharge he returned to Gloucester to marry his childhood sweetheart, Ann Connor. They had been married 60 years upon Ann’s death in 2010.
A lifelong resident of Gloucester, he once moved briefly to Arizona only to return to his hometown after a year. He and Ann realized that Gloucester was where they wanted to be.
Dick had owned and operated the Depot Café in Gloucester for 43 years until its sale in 2005 at which time he retired. Dick loved the Coast Guard and enjoyed and welcomed all Coast Guard Servicemen from the Gloucester station or any station. Coast Guard memorabilia decorated the walls of the Depot during his ownership. He had been proud to have served his country. He was a life long member of the Amvets.
Dick also loved his motor homes, owning several over his lifetime. He and Ann would travel often across country visiting friends, family and we can not forget Las Vegas along the way. Dick had a very dry sense of humor and was affectionately called “Grumpy Grampy” by his family and friends.
Dick is survived by his two daughters Donna L. Murray of Cheyenne, WY and Karen L. Murray of Gloucester. Three grandchildren, Joshua P. Noseworthy and his wife Jennifer of Gloucester, Jackie Noseworthy of South Boston, and Senior Master Sergeant of the USAF Shane Murray and his wife Lori of Cheyenne, WY, as well four great grand children, Derick, Madison and Makenna Murray all from Cheyenne, WY and Isabel Ann Noseworthy of Gloucester. He also leaves behind his adopted daughter and caregiver Susan Bennett and his sister-in-law, Helen Montoya of Flagstaff, AZ and several nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his son Rich Murray in 2005.
Abiding with Dick’s wishes there will be no visiting hours. A graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to one of Dick’s favorite charities, Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930 or Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, Utah 84741-5000.