Joseph M. Murray, an HVACR industry veteran, died on May 15, 2017, at the age 79 in Tequesta, Florida, after a prolonged period of illness. He passed peacefully, in the company of his family.

He was born August 23, 1937, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania — the son of Joseph and Florence Murray. Joseph M. Murray is survived by his loyal friend and former wife, Martha, and his children Melinda, Michael, Michele, Patrick, and all of his personal friends.

He graduated from Manhasset High School in Manhasset, New York, and Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

He was proud of his career in the HVACR industry, which began in 1962 with the Reading Tube Corp. In 1975, he left Reading Tube and became a member of the E.V. Dunbar Co. sales team in Atlanta, Georgia. The E.V. Dunbar Co. represented the interests of industry giants, such as Honeywell Genetron Refrigerants, Ritchie Engineering Co., Harris Products Group, Fluke Corp., and Packless Industries. Joseph M. Murray was an active participant and a White Jacketed Booster of the Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Wholesalers Association (ARW). Although he retired from the E.V. Dunbar Co. as a vice president in 2006, he continued to attend the annual AHR Expos until 2015 when his failing health prevented him from doing so.

In his later years, he turned his skill and love of people and business into an equally strong passion for charitable causes, the Catholic Church, and he served on the Knights of Columbus at St. Jude’s Parish in Tequesta. He always extended himself to anyone in need whether it is just a kind word and a smile or a helping hand. He will be remembered for his warmth, his charm, his strong and determined will, his spirit, and the value he placed on a firm handshake. 

Publication date: 6/19/2017

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