Thomas Joseph Murray Jr., 87, of Wilkes-Barre and Hanover Township, passed away Friday evening at Birchwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Nanticoke. Thomas was born in Wilkes-Barre on July 21, 1930.  He was the son of the late Thomas J. Murray Sr. and Anna (O’Ravitz) Stolfi.

Thomas was a graduate of Hanover High School, class of 1948.  He began his career in business as a painting contractor and then became a general contractor. Thomas was never afraid of hard work.  He started Murray Realty & Rentals and became the proprietor of the Murray’s Inn and Complex in Wilkes-Barre.  He retired in 2008.  He was past president of the Lee Park PTA while his children were in grade school.  He enjoyed his involvement in politics.  He was a member of the Baptist Tabernacle Church.

Surviving are; his wife of 67 years of marriage, Beatrice M. (Sones) Murray, Wilkes-Barre, daughters; Carol Cavanaugh and her husband, Joseph, Mountain Top, Deborah Bokelman and her husband, David, Villa Hills, KY, and Janet Murray, Chestnut Ridge, NY, sons; Donald Murray and his wife, Kathy, Dallas and Thomas J. Murray, III and his wife, Tracey, Forty Fort; sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren and his beloved dog, “Katie”.  Thomas was preceded in death by an infant granddaughter.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral and Cremation Services Inc. 465 South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 am in the Baptist Tabernacle Church, 63 Division Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA with Pastors John and Kelly Farrell officiating.  Friends are asked to go directly to the church on the day of the funeral.

Interment will be held in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Wilkes-Barre.

In lieu of flowers memorial contribution if desired may be made to Baptist Tabernacle Church, 63 Division Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706