John Tyler Murray, Psy. D., died Saturday, April 5. John was a resident of Walpole, New Hampshire and formerly of Belmont, Boston, Milton, and Provincetown, Massachusetts. John leaves his husband of forty years, John Macdonald of Walpole, New Hampshire who was with him at the time of his death.

John Murray was an extraordinary and unique person. He was a gifted psychologist, which was his passion and joy every day of his life.

He was the perfect husband and loving and caring brother to William Murray and his wife, Lisa of Westwood and Robert Murray of Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He adored his nephews and nieces, Kelly Murray O’Sullivan, Shawna Murray, Katlyn Murray, Connor Murray, Kevin Murray, Keira Murray and her daughter, Milani, and Leigh Murray and his son, Genesis, who he mentioned almost every day, brimming with enthusiasm at their latest
adventure, achievement, or simply a fragment he remembered from one of their letters or texts.

John was predeceased by his parents, Air Force Captain William Murray and his well respected mother, Virginia “Ginna” Murray of Belmont.

John’s life was also blessed by close friends who were always there for him as he was for them, Susan Teta, Susan Bright, Nancy Lattanzio, and Karen Merkl. They helped warm his heart and kept his spirit soaring. He also loved dearly and was inspired by his niece, Isabella Teta Bright in whose life he held a special place.

John graduated at the top of his class from the University of Vermont in 1980. He received his Master’s Degree from Harvard University in 1982. In 1995, John received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University.

John was unique in that early in his life he forged the path that supported him on the way to become the man he was. And although being a psychologist in private practice was nearly impossible to compete with, John found tranquility on the sea sailing his classic Alden ketch and his smaller day sailor on the waters of Cape Cod. He restored several historic homes, was a published author, and a great companion to his three rescue dogs, Ivy, Trot, and most recently Jacqui.

John was also an inspired and successful gardener, creating several spectacular gardens including a magnificent boxwood edged formal garden filled with hundreds of white rose bushes accented with lavender.

John Murray’s brilliance, understanding of the human condition, his many talents, his deep love of life and his strong belief in our ability to grasp the possibilities life presents to us will be missed by many.

A memorial gathering for John will be held on Saturday, May 10 at 12:30 PM at the Parish Hall of the First Parish Milton Unitarian Universalist Church, 535 Canton Ave., Milton, Massachusetts. Parking is at the side of the church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.