John Murray
From September 11 Memories
John Joseph Murray was the founder of Putt for Progress and a broker in New York City. He was an honor student at Salesianum and had outstanding character. He was an excellent athlete, playing baseball, basketball, lacrosse, hockey and golf. He was also a strong swimmer, serving as a Long Island lifeguard, often leading dangerous ocean rescues.
Following graduation from Boston College in 1990, John began a career as a broker for Cantor Fitzgerald. In 1997, he launched "Putt for Progress," a foundation devoted to raising money for scleroderma research. Following his marriage to Rory Owens, to whom he proposed while jogging across the Brooklyn Bridge, they relocated to the London offices of Cantor Fitzgerald for some time before returning to New York.
He was killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks while working in the World Trade Center. He was survived by his wife, their daughter Alyson Rose, born April 2001, and his parents.
See also
John Joseph Murray: 'An irreplaceable human being'
As a child with red hair and an angelic face, John would win the hearts of all who met him.
He was an honor student at Salesianum and had outstanding character. He was an excellent athlete, playing baseball, basketball, lacrosse, hockey and golf. He was also a strong swimmer, serving as a Long Island lifeguard, often leading dangerous ocean rescues.
Following graduation from Boston College in 1990, John began a career as a New York City broker where he enjoyed considerable success. Still he found time for others.
In 1997, he launched "Putt for Progress," a foundation devoted to raising money for scleroderma research.
Through a friend, he was introduced to Rory Owens "as two people who should be together." Rory agreed. After their courtship, she accepted John's proposal, which came on one knee as they paused while jogging across the Brooklyn Bridge.
After their marriage, their employers gave them the opportunity to relocate to London. This enabled them to travel in Europe before returning for the birth of their daughter, Alyson Rose, in April 2001. John loved his life as a father.
His kindness, selflessness and honesty drew many people to him and he did his best to make time for everyone.
John was a wonderful son, a loving and devoted husband, father, brother and friend. We miss him greatly, but will carry on in his name and in his memory.
On Sept. 11, we lost a dearly loved family member. The world lost an irreplaceable human being.
- Philip and Mary Louise Murray, of Brandywine Hundred, father and mother.
