John Thomas Murray, 89, football coach
John Thomas Murray, 89, formerly of Penn Wynne and Wayne, the voice of the Lower Merion High School football team for 25 years, died Monday, Sept. 21, of complications from a stroke at Fellowship Community Nursing Home in Whitehall, Pa.
John Thomas Murray, 89, formerly of Penn Wynne and Wayne, the voice of the Lower Merion High School football team for 25 years, died Monday, Sept. 21, of complications from a stroke at Fellowship Community Nursing Home in Whitehall, Pa.
Mr. Murray had just moved to Whitehall to be near his daughter.
Known as Jack, he was a native of Trenton. He left high school to enlist in the Navy in World War II and served in the South Pacific for 16 months aboard the Devosa, an attack cargo ship.
Mr. Murray participated in the invasion of Okinawa in April 1945. He was honorably discharged in May 1946 with the rank of seaman first class.
After the war, Mr. Murray completed his education and began a 40-year career as athletic equipment supervisor for the Lower Merion School District.
He was a member of the Lower Merion High School football coaching staff from 1949 to 1970. Mr. Murray then became "the voice of the Aces" for the next 25 years, announcing all home football games.
"Jack Murray is a legendary Ace, whose legacy and contributions will live on for generations in Lower Merion," said Doug Young, director of school and community relations.
Mr. Murray was the author of several articles published in Scholastic Coach magazine, and was inducted into the Lower Merion High School Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
He was a volunteer for the Penn Wynne-Overbrook Hills Fire Company for 25 years. He was a director and past president of the Lower Merion Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Association.
In addition, Mr. Murray was a director and past president of the Penn Wynne Civic Association. He served as a coach of the Penn Wynne Cub Scout and Colt League baseball teams, as well as the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary football teams.
He and his wife, Mary Parrish Murray, were longtime members of the Glenhardie Country Club in Wayne.
Besides his wife of 66 years, Mr. Murray is survived by daughters Kathleen Foster and Lynn Dobash; a son, Peter; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother. A son, Kevin, died earlier.
A Funeral Mass is to be said at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at St. Isaac Jogues Church, 50 W. Walker Rd., Wayne, where he was an usher. Friends may call at the church after 8:30 a.m. Interment will be private.
Donations may be made to Thorncroft Equestrian Center, Therapeutic Riding Program, 190 Line Rd., Malvern, Pa. 19355, or to the Lower Merion Township Scholarship Fund, Box 346, Ardmore, Pa. 19003.
610-313-8102