Fr. John Anthony Murray, of John XXIII Home, Hermitage, Long time Youngstown diocesan priest, and former Sharpsville resident, passed away at 4:50 a.m. on Monday (9-27-10) in John XXIII Home of natural causes. He was 87.

Fr. John was born on March 10, 1923 in Sharpsville, Pa. the son of Austin James and Mary Ellen Marrie Murray.

He attended Sharpsville schools until the 5th grade and later graduated from Hickory High School in 1941. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Indiana. He took classes in theological studies and graduated from Mt. St. Mary's College in Cincinnati, Ohio.

A decorated veteran of WWII, he served with the United States Navy from 1943 until 1946.

Fr. John was ordained a priest in the Youngstown Diocese in April of 1951 at St. Columba Cathedral and was assigned that same year to St. Brendan Catholic Church, Youngstown. His next assignment came in 1965 to serve as assistant pastor at St. Joseph's Church in Massillon, Ohio, where he remained until 1968. In 1968 Fr. John became the pastor of St. William Church, Champion, Ohio, where he would serve until 1972. He was assigned to St. Paul Church in North Canton in March of 1972 where he would remain until September of 1980. In 1980 Fr. John was assigned to Holy Family Church, Poland and served there until 1989. He served at St. George Church, Lisbon, Ohio and St. Agatha Church in West Point, Ohio from 1989 until 1994. His final assignment was St. Patrick's Church, Hubbard, Ohio.

He is survived by a brother, Austin Patrick Murray and his wife Donna, Sharpsville, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by five sisters, Mary Borke, Kathleen Murray, Nora Scanlon, Julie Scelsi, and one infant sister.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bartholomew Church, 311 West Ridge Ave., Sharpsville, Pa 16150.

Calling hours: In St. Bartholomew Church, Sharpsville, where his casket will lie in state from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday (9-30-10).

Condolences can be sent by visiting the web site www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Services: Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday (10-1-10) at 10:00 a.m. in the church with Bishop George V. Murry and priests from both the Youngstown and Erie Diocese concelebrating.

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage Full military honors will be provided by the Honor Guard of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6233, West Middlesex; and American Legion Post 432, Wheatland

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon.