Robert Murray

Robert “Whitie” Murray, 92, Amsterdam, NY; passed away Thursday morning March 20, 2014 on his birthday at his residence.

Born in Utica, NY; he was the son of the late Sidney and Anna Duke Murray.

Whitie received his education in the Amsterdam school system and graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch Senior High School. He also received an Associate’s Degree from SUNY at Cobleskill.

He also served with the United States Coast Guard.

Whitie was the owner and proprietor of Murray’s Service Station on Guy Park Avenue in Amsterdam. He also worked for Gateway Cablevision and Brown’s Transportation, both in Amsterdam.

Whitie was instrumental as one of the founders, organizers and was a Past President of the Amsterdam Little Giants Football League. He also dressed as Santa Claus for sixty years at St. Mary’s Hospital and Big N in Amsterdam, NY.

Whitie was well known for his tomato garden and sunflowers.

His wife, Helen Ahnert Murray to whom he married on May 18, 1947, passed away on April 19, 1999. He is survived by four daughters, Genice Hovak (Thomas) of St. Johnsville, NY; Susan Liberantowski (Eddie) of Amsterdam, Margaret Black (Thomas) of Pattersonville, NY; and Patricia (Fred) Fidura of Fairmont, West Virginia, four sons, David Murray (Regina) of Slingerlands, NY; Paul Murray of Albany, NY; Kenneth Murray of the state of Minnesota, and James Murray (Kathy Lilac) of Mechanicville, NY; one sister, Mary Ellen Dixon of Omaha, NE. Seven grandchildren, Laurie, Robert, Jessica, Erin and Matthew Murray, Christopher Malec and Christie Black, four great grandchildren, Jake Malec, Michiah Siemski, Olivia and Lillianna Murray. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Whitie was also predeceased by one sister, Jean Graff and one brother, Richard Murray.

Private graveside services will be held this spring at Chuctanunda Cemetery, Minaville, NY.

There are no calling hours.

Memorial gifts in Whitie’s name may be made to the Amsterdam Little Giants Football League, P.O. Box 624 Amsterdam, NY 12010-0624 or to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Manny Corners Road, Amsterdam, NY 12010.

Arrangements are by the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.