Michael Patrick Murray's Obituary
Michael Patrick Murray, 74, of Liverpool, NY, passed away April 23, 2026 at Francis House in Syracuse, NY. He was born in Greenpoint in Brooklyn, NY where he attended St. Cecilia’s Elementary School. He later moved with his family to Central Islip and graduated from Seton Hall High School, class of 1969. Michael was an excellent student and was inspired to make teaching his lifelong profession. He later attended SUNY Oswego earning a degree in Education as well as a master’s degree from Syracuse University. After graduation, Michael found his way to Liverpool and accepted a position at Liverpool High School where he taught for over 30 years, specializing in Math and Computer Science.
Even though he moved permanently upstate, Michael always stayed close to his family, spending many family vacations at the Jersey Shore and at the beaches of North Carolina and Cape Cod. He had a passion for travel, making his way to Ireland, England, Spain, China, Thailand, Peru, and Ecuador with annual cruises to the Caribbean and Central America. The highlight of his travels was completing the ancient pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, one of the most important pilgrimages in Christendom. More recently he would spend his winter months at his home in Florida.
Michael was often the main entertainment at family parties, providing profound recitations on St. Patty’s Day in his famous Irish brogue and celebrating pending wedding engagements, births, and milestone birthdays as “Pope Kingfisher”, the senior head of the family in charge of blessing the event.
In retirement, Michael remained active in his community, teaching classes of recent immigrants to prepare them for their citizenship exams; volunteering for church fundraisers; and helping out at the local food bank in Syracuse.
Michael is survived by his sister, Patricia Behrhof; his nephews, Donald Behrhof (partner, Nicole Blersch, children, Noah and Lily) and William Behrhof (wife Laurie, son Alexander). In addition to numerous cousins, their spouses, children and grandchildren, Michael is also survived by his “Liverpool Family” of longtime friends who made his life joyful over the past 50 plus years and were there to support him in his final days.
Michael was loved and will be missed by all.
A funeral Mass in celebration of Michael’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 9:30 A.M. in Christ the King Church, 21 Cherry Tree Lane, Liverpool, NY. Family and friends may call on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) N. Syracuse, NY. He will be laid to rest at Queen of All Saints Cemetery, 115 Wheeler Rd., Central Islip, NY on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Donations may be made to Francis House, 108 Michael’s Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208.
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