I am so happy that we all were able to get together at the Reunion- Brothers forever!  And all of the above means is that you left a legacy of a loving family man, witty, inviting, tolerant, inspiring,  friendly, with individuality, determination  and resolution.  From all of those at the Klub you helped form, your life is a message to the world:  You made a difference!   We salute you.   Enjoy the afterlife. 

Death is never a pleasant time, but when you leave “what is woven into the lives of others”, you celebrate a life lived with impact.   remember in the HS era, our meetings in the Greenpoint Library, preparations for the SAC that lasted 40+ years.  You collected the $1 weekly dues, and upon voting for new members, you always took an advocate position- voting yes.  In college years, on Saturday afternoons we would play touch football, we were always picked about the same level. I will always remember those days of budding  brotherhood, of young men just trying to do the right thing.  I remember walking up the avenue, the standard activity when you had nothing to do, when I ran into you and friends going to the movies, inviting me and going, and talking about the movie on the way back.  Of course the bowling alley,  the go-to place for every Greenpoint kid, was where socialization reached its maximum.
Upon reflection, I realized how closely our lives intertwined- same HS, same college, same graduation dates, same Klub, same bowling alley, same parties, six weeks apart from entering basic training, similar adjustments and uncertainties.   It was not an easy era to enter the real world, but I know it was handled it with class.  It was a great time to grow up and I am sure you would agree something to cherish forever.
 Our lives paralleled in  direction but  differed in pathways.  I did not share your enjoyment for bowling or for cards; and I loved the WSJ and Fintech.  I remember when  Carole and I were walking in Manhattan, when we ran into you and Kathy and friends and you invited us to join you going to the Seaport Village, then the hot spot  for NYC recovering from its down period.   I remember  after  attending a recital at Lincoln Center, you invited us (& others) to your apartment.  All the above was just Greg in his natural state.  The words said by your family in your eulogy makes the reader stand up & applaud. You achieved everything that is important in life

As painful as this may be it does get less painful over time. Greg was a wonderful husband, father and friend. He had the most amazing laugh and smile. Greg always treated my like family and I am forever grateful. Greg Thank you for your service and for taking us to the movies, bowling, the aquarium and any place else Rachel I wanted to go. Rachel you have done an excellent job being your father’s caretaker. Not many people are afforded the opportunity to do that and not too many people are able to do that. I know Greg was very happy to be home and that you and your family were able to honor his wishes. I am also happy that he’s not suffering anymore. Please remember the good times and please focus on the happy memories. I love you all. Love Orisha ❤️

Sending sincere condolences to all of you. Greg was a wonderful neighbor. He will be missed very much. 

Best,
Your neighbors at CPG #4-A,
Beverly (NYU) and Dawn Sprauve 

   I had somewhat of a unique friendship with Greg.  
We had met on the job and became  work mates for approximately 8 years. Soon after we met we became fast friends.  Our friendship was sweetened by the fact that we both lived on the UWS.  
   After knowing Greg and Cathy for about a month, (must have seen about 20 films with Greg at that point), my wife and I were welcomed into their home for the occasional dinner and a film.  Their generosity, humanity and sincerity will always be appreciated.  The four of us bonded in the most nonchalant way.  
    One of my earliest memories of going to a film with Greg was when we were rushing to get the Sony screening room with very little time to spare. 
With about 2 blocks to go, Greg decided he needed a slice of pizza.  I never saw someone eating a hot slice while running, laughing and trying  to have a conversation.  This memory will always bring a smile to my face.
   I hadn’t seen Greg or had known the extent of his circumstances for the last two years of his life.  We just had drifted for no apparent reason.  When Cathy called and told me the bad news, my first reaction was to conjure up the memory of the episode of running to to see a film while Greg was having his dinner on the fly.  It really touched my heart.  Greg most certainly has touched my heart.  


Dear Kathy, Rachel and Christine:       2/8/22
     You all gotta know that I will miss Greg dearly.  Even though we haven't seen each other since '07, all of you have been in my thoughts constantly. Yea, there are plenty of memories, early "50s with Laurel and Hardy movies, Alan Funt and Candid Camera, playing rummy and pinochle always brings a smile.  Movies - the last one we saw together was in '01, "Rat Race", and we both laughed so hard. Almost soiled myself.   Now its time to listen to "Spirit In the Sky" and I know you have a friend in Jesus, and that's where you are.  Dear Greg, love you cuz.  And God bless you all.  
Andrew

Greg will be missed but never forgotten. My family and the Murray’s met almost fifty years ago. During this time they have been  wonderful fiends and neighbors . We both continue to reside in the same building where we met.  I shall always remember Greg for his witty charm, his smile and  the conversations with me and my late husband about life, music and of course films and movies. I never recall hearing Greg utter a negative comment about anyone or anything. I remember our talks in the evening  when our daughters were very young and on their play dates, carrying  bundles of dolls and toys back and forth between the two apartments, and our telephone calls to confirm their arrival and departure. I also recall the many times Greg enjoyed taking the girls to movies, concerts, museums and for pizza, and they still remember.
It is very important to acknowledge Greg for his military service, as a Vietnam Vet, serving during a very difficult period of our country’s history.
Gregory was a wonderful, caring, devoted and loving husband to his wife Kathie, father to their daughters Rachel and Christine, grandsons Richie and Julian, his sister Louise, and to all his family and friends.
His memory lives on  in the family he loved and nourished as they continue to represent who and what he was. 
My condolences to the family and thank you for your devotion, loving  and caring during these past challenging months.

Almost 45 years ago, Greg asked me if I was driving back and forth from Queens everyday and when I said yes, he asked, "Why don't you stay in town with me?" I think it was that same night that I met Kathie & Rachel and, within a few days, I felt just as much at home with the three of them as I had ever felt anywhere in my life.
There are so many things that remind me of Greg... when I go to a museum (especially the Met), I am reminded of Greg and his carefully laid out plans to see everything in the place before it closes.  Of course, whenever I have a slice, I think of Greg and it brings a smile to my face.  
I have many fond memories of New York, going back to when I was 1 or 2 years old, but whenever I think of New York, it is Greg that comes to mind.  I can still picture Greg standing there, holding a parking space for me on 97th Street.   I will miss his nuanced directions to get anywhere in the city.
When we went to the movie theatre, Greg would always guide me to the front of the rush to get to the best seats.  He knew every movie schedule, the minute I would get to town, Greg would give me the options - a double feature at one movie theater or a better screen at another.
Long before IMDB, Greg was my motion picture database.  We loved his reviews when he did his cable show.  I would call him from wherever in the country I was to find out some detail of film history.  
Every time I see a collection, any collection, of records, tapes, cassettes, VHS, DVD or LaserDiscs of music or film, I can't help but think of Greg.  So many of us have benefited from Greg's carefully prepared cassettes to listen to while driving.
I can't begin to list all the good things that remind my of my dear friend Greg.  I miss him now and I know I always will.  When I think of Greg, I see that special little smile that he had and the twinkle in his eye, it will always bring a smile to my face and a warm feeling to my heart.  Rest in Peace, dear Greg.

You never know many of the moments that change your life when they are happening.  Meeting Greg 62 years ago waiting for a bus to go take an entry test for high school was one for me..  					  He was blessed with a loving and caring family.  He was blessed with innumerable friends.  He was blessed to work at doing something he loved.  		My friend Greg, you are loved  and will be missed by more than you ever imagined.  Thank you for your friendship.  I miss you in my mind, my heart and my soul.....  Till we meet again.

Greg was such a special person and such fun to be with and work with. He and I produced "Film Flicks and Video Pix", a movie review TV show on local cable in New Jersey. Greg wrote and hosted; I did the shooting and editing. We had great fun with it -- not just making the shows, but attending pre-release screenings, being part of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and even shooting at a post-Oscar party in LA. Such good memories and such a kind, multi-talented person. I will miss him.

New Year's Eve in Central Park, early 1970's.  I stood next to Greg here, as he filmed a documentary with his friend, Scott for the New Year's Eve Event in Central Park. You can see from this photo that Greg was in his glory behind the camera. It was pouring , his hair was soaking wet, but nothing could take away his pure joy.  
 I know  only three things that surpassed his great Love for films... when he married Kathie, and when Rachel and Christine were born.
You fought so bravely for so long, our dear Greg.  
Rest in Peace now and may your eternal Love forever live in all who loved you.  

This photo was converted from a slide found in my mother's belongings after she had passed away. A neighbor converted it for Greg's 75th birthday so he would have it when I visited to help celebrate. 

Greg and our cousin Barbara had remained in touch throughout their lifetimes. I had not seen her since the year before our visit and before that since Greg's and Kathie's wedding. Greg and I loved spending time with Barbara, her husband and their son and his family. 

Rest In Peace my cousin…you are now in the arms of our sweet Jesus and surrounded by love and peace.. 
love you 
Cousin Debbie 


Some of the most memorable adventures Greg and I had growing up were family vacations to our grandparents in the Catskills. One particular adventure that brought us closer together was meeting paternal cousins we never knew we had. In South Carolina, we tracked down family gravestones, some dating all the way back to 1750. We met cousins who looked like our father's siblings. Some had family photos of our great grandparents and great grand uncles. It blew us away. It showed me and Greg how much alike we were, and how much we were like our mother. We had a good laugh over that! 

What can I tell you about my cousin, Greg?  That's easy!  He was an Angel on Earth!!!  Greg truly cared about other people especially his wife,  his two daughters, his sister, Louise, his grandchildren and all his many friends.   If he was your friend, you were one of the lucky ones as with him friendship went on forever.  I know my dear cousin Greg is now alive and well in Heaven surrounded by his loving parents and many relatives who went on before him.   Thank you, Greg, for being my cousin is this lifetime!   Your Loving Cousin, Barbara

Diane and I met Greg about 50 years ago at 50 West 97th Street, where both our families lived. So many memories of such a wonderful man through the years, but perhaps our fondest memories are from the building years ago, when we used to visit Greg and Kathy all the time. He was always chatty, friendly and  so easy to talk to and immensely likeable. Of course a visit never went by without his trying to convince me of how wonderful his 1950s music was! What a wonderful,  first-class soul he was. We will always remember and love him.

Growing up with Greg was a real treat.  He was my friend, my cousin and sometimes my babysitter.  We lived in the same building, his Mom and my Dad were brother and sister.  One time Greg was tasked with babysitting me and my sister Debbie. Since Greg was in charge, we went to see a movie which was around the block in Brooklyn, (Greg was about 8 or 9 at the time).  Deb and I decided we didn't like the movie and left and walked home.  Only later did we find out the Greg got in trouble for staying for the whole show.  Thus began his love of films.  I will miss him.  Joe Matsko

Greg was a True Friend who will never be forgotten. His spirit lives in the memories of those who loved him. Rest in Peace my friend

My dad was one of my best friends. We loved going to the movies together, he’d drive me and my friends everywhere, he’d take me shopping in Yonkers and Westchester and then we’d go to dinner and a movie. We had such a special bond and I miss him terribly but I’m so glad he’s no longer in discomfort and can rest peacefully now. Love you daddy ❤️

I love this photo of mom and dad. Daddy you will always be with us 

I’ve known Greg for 30 years as my Father in law. I could write about how wonderful he was for 30 years. He was a loving Husband, Father, Grandpa. Greg had more friends than any person I’ve ever met .He was also a war Hero serving in Vietnam. 
Enjoy Heaven Greg your smile will shine Forever.❤️

Greg is a wonderful soul.
His conversations with me were always  filled with interesting details regarding filmmaking and his passion inspired me to become more aware of the intricacies of the art. Greg was quick to recommend a  book to read and gave me several books  regarding filmmaking kingpins.
Greg will be missed, but his spirit will live on in our memories forever. 
Blessings to Kathy and family. 

OBITUARY

Gregory Arthur Murray

July 6, 1946 – February 2, 2022

Riverside Memorial Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services