Morris “Murray” Brown, 93, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Thursday, May 19, 2016 at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Plains Township.
Born in Wilkes-Barre on July 6, 1922, he was a son of the late Martin and Helen (Weinberg) Brown.
He was self-employed in the carpet business and was the owner of Nu Floors by Murray Brown.
He attended Coughlin High School and Wilkes-College.
Murray was a professional boxer, holding the Lightweight Championship at the age of 15, the Northeast PA Championship at the age of 16 and the Lightweight Championship of Camp Mackall, North Carolina. He turned professional at the age of 17 and lived and boxed in New York before entering the Army.
He served with the United States Army Paratroopers during World War II and parachuted into Holland during the invasion of Holland. He was with the 101st Airborne Division in Bastogne, Belgium. He held the Bronze Star and numerous other medals.
Murray was a member of the Elks Club and was named Elk of the Year or 1981-1982. He was a life member of the 101st Airborne Association. He was a life member of the Wilkes-Barre Chapter of the Disabled American Vets where he served as Commander and Adjunct. He was also a life member of the Jewish War Veterans and the AMVETS. His other memberships include the American Legion, St. Conrad’s Club, Combat Infantry Association.
He was a past treasurer of the Old Time Boxers Association and the treasurer of the Original Boxing Hall of Fame. He was an active volunteer at the Veterans Hospital, with over 12,000 hours and held many awards. He served as the Judge of Elections at the B’nai Brith Building.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of 52 years, the former Louise Williamson, who passed away in 1996; his second wife, the former Juliette Stein and a brother, Irving.
Surviving are his son, Murray J. Brown and his wife, Roberta, Wilkes-Barre; grandson, Jason Brown, Wilkes-Barre; granddaughter Diana Keosayian, Queens, NY; 4 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Private services were held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 465 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre
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