William K Murray

Westport- William K Murray, 98, one of the last of the Greatest Generation, passed away peacefully at home on April 5, 2023.

Born in Meriden, the son of the late William B and Ann K Murray, he was a graduate of Meriden HS. In 1944, he received a degree in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, at the age of 19, under the accelerated Navy V-12 program. After four months training at the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, he received his ensign's commission and reported to the USS Suwannee, an escort aircraft carrier, in the Western Pacific. The ship was part of the fleet assembled for the invasion of Okinawa, and afterward engaged in ferrying US troops home from Japan.

Returning from the Navy, Bill married Mary E (Betty) Gilmartin in 1949. They were happily married for 58 years before she passed in 2008.

Bill worked for Enthone Inc., in New Haven, in Technical Services, before moving over to become manager of marketing. While at Enthone, he got his MBA from UCONN in 1964. When Enthone was acquired by ASARCO Inc., Bill took a transfer to New York City as director of public relations and advertising. It was then, in 1971, that the family moved to Westport. He retired in 1989.

Bill was active in the Y's men of Westport, a group of 400 retired men, was a driver for the Red Cross, a member of the "beach bunch" of Westport, and with Betty, a member of the Cotillion Club. He loved the Opera, playing bridge, reading the NY Times, and watching UCONN women's basketball, and Giants football.

Survivors include four children, Maureen Logee and husband Dean of Danielson, CT, Brian Murray and wife Michele of Milford CT, Patrice Murray and husband Fred Breunig of Brattleboro VT., and Eileen Lantzas and husband Tom of Frederick, MD.; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Besides his wife, Bill was also predeceased by a brother, Robert J Murray.

A celebration of Bill's life will be planned at a later date.

The family wishes to thank Hartford Healthcare Hospice, and Dad's Visiting Angels, Sheila and Delores for their compassionate care.

Donations in memory of William Murray may be made to the YMCA of Westport/Weston Ct. 14 Allen Raymond Lane, Westport Ct. 06880 attn: Y's Men Club.