Obituary: Stanley D. Murray, Sr., 82

Stanley D. Murray, Sr., 82

“Stan the Barber”

Stanley D. Murray, Sr. 82, of Mansfield, passed away peacefully, on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at the Blue Hills Alzheimer’s Care Center in Stoughton. He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara A. (Mayo) Murray, to whom he was wed for 54 years at the time of her death on June 18, 2006.

Born in Roxbury, MA on June 17, 1929, he was a son of the late Harry and Mary (McLean) Murray and the late Marion Greene. He grew up and was educated in Boston and Raynham.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged from the service on March 24, 1953 with the rank of Corporal. He later graduated from the Massachusetts Barber School in Boston.

In 1957, Mr. Murray opened Stan’s Barber Shoppe in downtown Mansfield where for48 years he was a North Main Street fixture and landmark.. His personality and mannerism made him a great success and after retiring in 2005, he was quite proud of his son and daughter for taking over the business, which they still operate today on the corner of North Main and High St.

A resident of Mansfield for over 50 years, Stan was quite involved in community affairs. He was an active communicant of St. Mary’s Church where he served as a former religious education teacher. He was also a former member of the Knights of Columbus Council in Mansfield and also a former Scout Leader in Mansfield. Mr. Murray’s proudest civic duty performed while living in Mansfield, was being a former member of the towns original Charter Commission

Stan was also known for his athletic abilities. He was a member of the Attleboro YMCA where he actively participated in volleyball, although his true passion was playing tennis. He was an accomplished sailor and enjoyed the many wonderful years spent with family and friends on John’s Pond in Mashpee. He was also an avid reader and history buff

He and his late wife Barbara enjoyed remodeling projects around their homes in Mansfield and Mashpee, and the many winters spent in Florida. At the time of his death, Mr. Murray was anticipating the birth of his third great grandchild.

He is survived by his devoted children; Stanley D. Murray, Jr. of New Orleans, Patricia E. Stone and her husband Richard of East Falmouth, Elaine M. McGrath and her husband Michael of Chelmsford and Robert A. Murray and his partner Robert Perkins of Mansfield. One of nine children, he is survived by his siblings Margaret, Florence and Arthur, and his cherished 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He was the longtime friend of Arlene Bedard and was predeceased by his grandson; Stanley D. Murray, III.

In lieu of flowers, Stan’s family has requested that donations in his memory be made to the Mansfield Adult Day Health Center, 300 Branch St., Mansfield, MA 02048.