Murray Grodner

Murray Grodner passed away peacefully on December 22 at the age of 100 with his wife, Susan, by his side. Murray and Susan resided in Southern California for the last few years, after living in Naples, Florida and before that for many years in Bloomington.

Murray is survived by his wife, Susan, his son, Geoffrey, and wife, Lorelei Meeker; daughter, Fern Grodner; grandson, Andrew Grodner, and wife, Cara Caddoo; stepdaughter, Sandy Vilela and husband, Rick and their children; and stepson, Steve Budlong and wife, Rachel and their children. Murray’s first wife, Leah Grodner, predeceased him.

Murray was a professional double bass musician and teacher. After graduating from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, Murray served as a member of the U.S. Army Orchestra and then joined the Houston Symphony. He was then asked to join the NBC Symphony under Arturo Toscanini. In 1955, Murray moved his family to Bloomington, IN where he served as Professor of Double Bass at The Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University for thirty-one years, earning the status of Professor Emeritus. Some of the best-known bass players today studied under Murray. During his time at IU, Murray was a member of the Baroque Chamber Players and performed around the country. Murray also authored several instructional books for the double bass and founded and operated Lemur Musical Research, a mail order store focused on the double bass and other string instruments.

Murray loved travel, dining out and classical music. Attending concerts was one of his great joys.

There will be no visitation or service at this time. A memorial service will be planned for 2023. Eternal Hills Mortuary in Oceanside, California is handling arrangements. Condolences and messages can be posted on their website.