High School in Norristown, then as Principal from 1974 to 1985--first at St. Pius X High School, Pottstown, then at Bishop Kenrick High School, and finally at Bishop McDevitt High School in Wyncote. In 1985 he became Pastor of Holy Angels Parish in Philadelphia. From 1989 to 2008, he was Pastor of St. Stanislaus in Lansdale. In June 2018, Msgr. Murray was named Pastor Emeritus for St. Stanislaus Parish. After retirement, he moved to Mother of Divine Providence Parish in King of Prussia where he continued to minister to the parishioners of that parish before entering Regina Nursing Facility in 2018. During his ministry at the high schools, he resided and assisted at St. Titus Parish, East Norriton, St. Helena's in Center Square, St. Gabriel's Hall, Phoenixville, and St. John Neumann in Bryn Mawr. Every place he touched he called home! He received a Master's Degree from LaSalle University in 1974. He was named a Monsignor in 1991 by the Holy Father. He received various honors for all his years of service to Catholic Education and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He sat on many committees and rendered service throughout the diocese on many levels. Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, Msgr. Murray's Funeral and Burial will be private. We will all gather to celebrate his life together at a Memorial Mass when circumstances permit. In Lieu of flowers, donations in his memory might be made to the Catholic School of your choice or the Hemophilia Foundation, 1489 Baltimore Pike, Suite 227, Springfield, PA 19064. Please read the following heartfelt message from St. Stanislaus' Parochial Administrator Rev. Sean English. Dear Parish Family of St. Stanislaus, Our beloved Pastor Emeritus, Msgr. Joseph Murray, passed away today, April 18, 2020, at the age of 87. It is never easy to hear the news of the passing of a loved one. I hope you find some consolation remembering the many ways he loved you, the parishioners of St. Stanislaus. In my short time at St. Stan's, many parishioners have shared their affection for Msgr. Murray. Consistently he is remembered as a gentleman, a people's priest, and a true shepherd. Without a doubt, he loved you all as family. Upon his retirement, he was quoted, "(As a priest,) you're married to the church and you really do feel that you're a member of so many families. That, in turn, makes you realize how blessed you are in this life." We are still awaiting details about funeral arrangements, however we do expect them to be private considering the current restrictions with COVID-19. We will certainly celebrate Msgr. Murray with a memorial Mass in the future as soon as we are able to gather as a community. He will be remembered at our private Masses this weekend. Please keep his brothers and sister-in-law, his extended family, and each other in prayer during this time. In Christ, Fr. Sean P.S. Condolences and Mass Cards can be sent to his brother: Rev. Msgr. Thomas A. Murray Saint Eleanor Rectory 647 Locust Street Collegeville, PA 19426-2541 VIDEO CONDOLENCES OR TRIBUTES WELCOME Because the pandemic is making it difficult for grieving families to connect with supportive friends and family, Simcox-McIlvaine is inviting submissions of video condolences. Please send the short videos (less than two minutes) or the url from youtube or vimeo to creation@dca.net with subject line reading Msgr. Murray. Video by Diane McCaughan, President, Mater Dei Elementary School To read the full obituary, please click here: http://www.simcoxmcilvainefuneralhome.com/2020/04/19/msgr-joseph-w-murray-4-18-2020/