MEMORIAL RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that members of this Chamber learned of the death of John Murray at the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed of his passing by the Honorable Margaret Laurino, Alderman of the 39th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Born on July 8, 1930, John was the beloved son of the late Mary and James Murray. He was preceded in death by his dearly loved sister, Kathleen; and
WHEREAS, John attended Resurrection Elementary School, St. Patrick's High School and received his Juris Doctorate at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He practiced law in Chicago for over fifty years as a partner at Beverly, Pause, Duffy & O'Malley; and
WHEREAS, Although John was a bachelor, his family was his utmost priority. John grew up on the west side of Chicago, and moved his mother and sister's family to the northwest side of the city a few blocks away from one another. John lost his father at an early age and lovingly cared for his mother until her death; and
WHEREAS, John was a loyal parishioner at Queen of all Saints Basilica for over fifty years. He ensured that his nieces and nephews were all provided with a Catholic education and comfortable life. His other priority was his pet, "Stubby", who he enjoyed walks with throughout his community; and
WHEREAS, John purchased a vacation home in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin where many of the Egan/Murray family would gather. He enjoyed Sunday drives to the cottage where he would read his newspaper, smoke a cigar and enjoy the view of the lake; and
WHEREAS, In his younger years, John took music lessons and became quite proficient playing the button accordion. He assisted in writing the charter for the Irish American Heritage Center and could be found there on Wednesday nights where he enjoyed playing music with his dear friends; and
WHEREAS, John proudly served as a member of the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, he was stationed in Germany. He, along with his close friends, established the Hercules Mulligan American Legion Post; and
WHEREAS, John leaves to cherish his memory: nieces, the late Mary (Keith) Szlak, Anne Egan (the late James Haughey) Noreen Egan (the late Martin Quinn), Kathleen (Thomas) Touhy, the late Veronica (the late Daniel O'Neill); nephews, James (Dominique) Egan, and Timothy (Alene) Egan; twelve great-nieces and nephews; thirteen great-great nieces and nephews; and host of treasured friends. John leaves a legacy of faith, dignity and love; and
WHEREAS, John touched the lives of all who knew him through his kindness, generosity and vivacious spirit. He will be deeply missed, but the memory of his character, intelligence and compassion will live on in those who knew and loved him; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered this thirteenth day of December, 2017, do hereby extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of John Murray; and
MARGARET LAURINO Alderman, 39th Ward
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of John Murray.
