Mark lived in Dayton with his wife, Donna Murray, and their 18-yearold daughter, Skye Murray. In addition to Donna and Skye, Mark is survived by: his parents, Joseph and Betty Murray, both of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. He has two older adult children, Kelly Duffy of Georgetown, Massachusetts, and Adin Murray of Gloucester, Massachusetts. He also leaves: two sisters, Mary Beth Calorie and Cindy Murray, both of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Also missing Mark will be: his three grandchildren, Annalisa, Brynn and Hazel; as well as nephew, Seth; and nieces, Samantha, Rachel, Alaina and Sarah.
Mark’s life was a bit of an odyssey. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Oct. 11, 1948. At the age of 25, he moved to the Cape Ann area of Massachusetts. Then at age of 46, he made Dayton his home. Mark’s Pittsburgh roots have always remained strong, but the allure of the Massachusetts and Maine coastlines captured his heart. There was nothing more joyous for Mark than spending time where the anchor of the coastline met the energy of the ocean. Being in, on, or near the ocean vitalized his spirit.
Nurturing the seeds of growth in all who touched Mark’s life was Mark’s life sustaining vision. He was lucky to be able to do this throughout his career in many fascinating jobs. Central and vital to each job was always the opportunity to listen and educate, no matter the setting or the context. Whether working as a school counselor in both Maine and Massachusetts or traveling the world as a trainer and consultant for Project Adventure Inc., this “nurturing” precept always drove his actions.
If there is anything that defines Mark’s life, it is his parenting longevity. Early in his life he became a parent, and later in his life he also once again became a parent. Always striving to be the best parent he could possibly be dominated both his thoughts and actions. He was not the perfect father by any means, but was always wishing to reach that goal.
As you may discern, there indeed is a legacy that Mark hopes will live in the hearts and minds of those who know him. It is both a simple yet powerful legacy and that is: “I have been changed for good because of knowing Mark.”
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to The Skye Murray Educational Fund, c/o Saco Valley Credit Union, P. O. Box 740, Saco, ME 04072. A celebration of Mark’s life will be held on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, at 1 p.m. at First Parish Congregational Church of Saco UCC, 12 Beach St., Saco. Later in 2016, a celebration of Mark’s life will be held at Duquesne University, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral and Cremation, Saco is in charge of the arrangements. For those wishing to post condolences please go to www.DCPate.com.
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