MSgt. Michael S. Murray, USAF

MSgt. Michael S. Murray, USAF, 74, of Lewisberry, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at UPMC West Shore Hospital, Mechanicsburg. He was the son of the late Robert M. and Mona Y. (Slentz) Murray, born on December 1, 1948 in Harrisburg.

A 1966 graduate of Elizabethtown Area High School), he would go on to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force. His military service would span 23 years, ranging from the Vietnam War through Desert Storm; he was a general aircraft mechanic, finishing his time as a Guidance & Control specialist (GAC) while attaining the rank of master sergeant. Mike would further his education at Williamsport Area Community College (now, PennTech).

Never afraid of hard work or learning new things, he started out as a toolmaker in Hummelstown before becoming employed with Berg/DuPont Electronics as a manufacturing engineer. From there, he would move to Rhode Island to work for ETCO, and then Framatome, before spending several years in Montana with Zugay Engineering. He returned to Central PA in the mid-90s, gaining employment with, and retiring from, TYCO. Mike was a member of the Abraham C. Treichler Lodge #682, F&AM, Elizabethtown, as well as VFW Post 7530, Lower Allen Twp., American Legion Post 143, New Cumberland and Dorchester Post 91, Cambridge, MD. He was also active with the Cambridge Moose Lodge 1211 and Member of the Thailand, Laos, Cambodia Brotherhood.

Mike would attend Shiremanstown First Church of God, becoming a member 30+ years ago. His faith was evident in the way he treated others, as he would gladly lend a helping hand or offer his last ten cents to someone in need. He was a happy soul – always singing and smiling. Musically inclined all his life, he would play in many bands, mostly as drummer or vocalist, though he could play bass and dabbled on guitar. And though he always enjoyed it, karaoke became his favorite way of rocking out in more recent years.

He was a social butterfly, easily starting conversation with anyone, but he enjoyed his time alone too – specifically on the water. Whether it was crabbing, fishing or just enjoying the day on his boat, he would venture to Taylor’s Island on the Chesapeake, cruising along Maryland’s Eastern Shore. He was passionate about his work, his military service, his hobbies and his family. His upbeat personality and easy-going way will be missed.

Surviving Mike are his children, Amy R. Swift of Elizabethtown, and Jason A. Murray (Jana) of Lewisberry; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Susan E. Stull (John) of Lewisberry, and Barbara A. Murphy (Joseph) of Elizabethtown; and the mother of his children, Donna Murray (Gordy) of Elizabethtown.

Mike's Celebration of Life will be held at 2PM on Sunday, May 7, 2023 at Jason and Jana's home. All are welcome, but RSVPs are requested! To confirm your attendance or to seek more information (including directions), please email the family at: mikemurrayrsvp@gmail.com.

A public graveside service will be held two days earlier, May 5, 2022 at 2PM in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Please arrive early as services begin promptly.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mike’s name to his church, or to help offset funeral expenses. Donations may be mailed to either: Shiremanstown First Church of God, 35 S. Locust Street, Shiremanstown, PA 17011, or Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, PO Box 431, New Cumberland, PA 17070. Please feel free to contact the funeral home with any questions or concerns.