Raymond J. Murgia, (91), of 172 Lowell Street, Andover, MA, June 6, 2013 died at his home.
Born in Lawrence, MA, Ray graduated from Keith Academy and Boston University, (CBA ’59). He served in the United States Marine Corps in World War II and received the Purple Heart on Okinawa on April 12, 1945. He was a founding member of the Anthony Spinazzolla Foundation, member of the advisory board, School of Hospitality Administration at Boston University, Past President of the International Society of Restaurant Association Executives, recipient of the National Restaurant Association Hall of Fame Award in 1990. Past President of Bear Hill Golf Club and Bear Hill Associates, and Past Senior Vice President, Commander of the American Legion Ames Post #117.
Well known in the foodservice industry, Ray served as Executive Vice President of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association from 1969 to 1994. Upon his retirement in 1994, he was appointed MRA’s Vice Chairman of the Board Emeritus. He went on to serve as Director of Customer Relations for Eastern Casualty Insurance Company, where he worked well into his 80’s.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy A. (Kerr), two sons, Robert K. Murgia and his wife Nancy, and Michael R. Murgia and his wife Deanna, both of Stoneham, and a daughter, Elizabeth A, Zappelli of Winchester, two grandchildren, Robert K. Murgia Jr. of Stoneham, and Jillian Marie Grant, and her husband Todd of Fairhaven, and two great grandchildren, Elliott and Alexandra Grant, and brother Robert D. Murgia, (Lt. Colonel {retired}, Massachusetts State Police). Pre-deceased by brother Francis X. Murgia, (Lt. Colonel, United State Air Force).
At Ray’s request, there will be no visiting hours. Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Service at the “Chapel at West Parish Cemetery” located across from # 215 Lowell Street, (Rt. 133), in Andover MA on Friday June 14th at 10:00am. Interment will be at the family lot at West Parish Cemetery Burial Ground. At Ray’s request, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to The Perkins School for the Blind 175 North Beacon Street Watertown MA 02472 Attn: Perkins Trust or The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence 136 Water Street Lawrence MA 01841. The Pollard Funeral Home is honored to assist the Murgia family with the arrangements. www.pollardfuneralhome.com