Murray Conol

Vassar Jr.

Murray C. Vassar Jr., beloved husband of (Margaret) Elaine, peacefully embarked on his final journey on Saturday, June 6, 2026, to join Jesus and joyfully reunite with family and friends who had gone before him. Among those welcoming him were his parents, Murray C. Vassar Sr. and Beulah Vassar; his siblings, Maureen Lynch, Curtis Vassar, Judy Fulmer, and Murray John Vassar, who died in infancy in 1943; and his brother-in-law, Roscoe Finley. Murray was born on July 3, 1947, in New London, Connecticut, the fourth child of Murray Sr. and Beulah Vassar. At age nine, he moved with his family to Columbia, South Carolina, where he spent his teenage years (GoGamecocks!) before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1966. The Air Force brought him to Hancock Air Base in Syracuse, New York, from which he was deployed to Thailand and later Vietnam. Following his military service, Murray chose to make Central New York his home (Go Orange! Go Yankees!). Drawing upon his Air Force electrician training, he built a successful career as a maintenance electrician, spending much of his working life with O-I Brockway Glass and McQuay (now Daikin) Inc. Always eager for opportunities to learn, he continued his education and graduated with honors in 1994 with a degree in Electrical Technology. Murray grew up in the church and loved music, especially singing, throughout his adult life. In 1995, he was ordained as a Minister of Music. One of his great joys in his last years living in CNY was his membership in The Genesee Street Voices of Auburn, New York. Together with Elaine in the chorus, they sang music from the 1980s, 1990s, and today, along with inspiring spiritual selections for community events and concerts. After retirement, Murray and Elaine fulfilled their dream of moving south to escape the snow and be closer to his remaining Vassar family. Although the COVID-19 pandemic and Murray’s declining health eventually limited their plans to travel and visit frequently to South Carolina, Florida, and New York, he remained grateful for his home in Thomasville and the friendships he formed there. Through one of those friendships, he became an active member of Quitman VFW Post 5659, an organization of which he was extremely proud. In 2023, Murray was deeply honored to be selected for a Tallahassee Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. The experience profoundly moved him and remained one of his treasured memories. Murray leaves behind his beloved wife of 33 years, and best friend, Elaine; his cherished sister, Dale Finley; many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins,and dear friends; and a legacy of love and friendship that greatly enriched him by sharing with others. He was a proud father and stepfather to Murray III Vassar (Ruth) of Tampa, Florida; Jason Vassar of Belvidere, Illinois; Connie Dudley(Eric) of North Syracuse, New York; Donald Paddock (Rachel) of Manlius,New York; and Melody McDowell (Jake) of Thomasville, Georgia. He was also the proud “Grampa Murray” and “PaPa” to 12 incredible grandchildren: Icarus, Conol, Mack, Madison, Morgan, Rylan, Hunter, Isabelle, JT, Lucas, Sarah & Samantha; All whom he admired, enjoyed, and cheered for. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Southern Pines Assisted Living Memory Care Lodge for becoming a loving family to “Mr.Murray” and for the compassionate, expert care that made his final months safe, meaningful, and filled with dignity and warmth.A Celebration of Life will be held in South Carolina on June 27, with additional gatherings planned in Thomasville in July and at camp on Otisco Lake, New York, in August. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you simply “Do a Murray.”When he was able, Murray loved walking around Cherokee Lake in Thomasville. More than the exercise, he looked forward to the people—and their dogs—he met along the way. Whether on a lakeside path or in a grocery store aisle, he was always ready with a smile, a kind word,encouragement, or perhaps a dog treat for a four-legged friend.To honor Murray’s memory, uplift a stranger whenever the opportunity presents itself. It is exactly what he would have done.