John Emmett Murray, Ed.D., 84, of Charlestown, New Hampshire died February 14, 2023 at Valley Regional Hospital surrounded by family. Born to Edith and Emmett Murray on January 23, 1939 in Bellows Falls, Vermont, John graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1957. In February of 1964, he married Judith McKewen Bateman.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years Judith, his son Benjamin (Jennifer) and their children Mackenzie and Lucus; his son Matthew (Marta) and their children Andrew, Alexandra, and Brandon; his daughter Melissa (Stephen) and their son Eric; and his daughter Elizabeth (Brian) and their son John.

John served two years in the National Guard and in the United States Army Air Defense Command from 1958-1962. He served as Mayor of the College at Keene State and graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. While attending Teachers College at Keene State, John was selected to represent the college as a community ambassador in West Pakistan for ten weeks during the summer of 1963. He graduated with a Master's Degree in Administration of School Systems from Teachers College at Columbia University in 1966. He graduated from State University of New York at Albany in 1982 with a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.

John served as an educational leader in various districts as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. His life-long love of books led to his final (and possibly favorite) job of used book dealer, a retirement hobby he took seriously enough to curate a library of over 10,000 books in his converted barn. John loved to hike in the woods near his home with his beloved dog (who he swore he taught to whistle). He spent many summers swimming in Lake Sunapee and climbing the mountains nearby. He was an active member of the Rotary Club for many years. He discovered his love for singing later in life and was a member of the Silvertones Choir in Charlestown, NH for many years.

Calling hours in honor of John will be held from 1-2 pm on Saturday, February 18 ^th at Charlestown Memorial Chapel, Charlestown, NH with a service to immediately follow at 2pm.

He will be so greatly missed.

"I'd like to go by climbing a birch tree / and climb black branches up a snow-white trunk / toward heaven, till the tree could bear no more, / that would be good both going and coming back." - Robert Frost