LEWISTON — Joseph T. Murray, 85, of Lewiston, died Wednesday, March 28, at his home, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Lewiston on Jan. 7, 1933, the son of John and Eva Lachance Murray. He received his GED while in the Navy.

He married the love of his life, Frances M. Helms, on Feb. 27, 1960. Frances passed away Nov. 3, 2012. Joseph proudly served in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a chief petty officer after 21 years.

After his military service he worked as a toll manager and supervisor for the Maine Turnpike Authority. He was an avid baseball and football fan, especially the Red Sox and Patriots, and enjoyed gardening and working on projects in his wood shop. For the past year, he enjoyed breakfast every morning with his friends at Uncle Moe’s Diner. He was an active member of Post 31 of the American Legion, and stopped by six days a week for conversation and a single Bud Light. He also enjoyed trips to the Oxford Casino.

Survivors include a son, Andrew Murray, of Auburn; two daughters, Laura Barry and husband, Mark, of Mechanic Falls, and Tina Hebert and longtime companion, Jerry Boucher, of Lewiston; a brother, Michael Murray, of Florida; two sisters, Eva Ladouceur of Lewiston and Carol Christiansen of Massachusetts; seven grandchildren, Nicholas Hogan and wife, Jennifer, Zachary Hebert and wife, Jean, Joseph Hogan, Kira Leclair and husband, Michael, Kayla Hutchinson and husband, Adam, Amber-Rose Bissonnette, and Orion Murray; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; three sisters; and two brothers.

Condolences, donations and a video tribute may be found online at www.albert-burpee.com.

Joseph T. Murray