Harold W. Murray's Obituary
Harold W. Murray, 84, a retired project engineer and senior scientist, passed peacefully after an extended illness March 20, 2026 at his home in Annapolis, MD. He worked at the David Taylor Research and Development Center in Annapolis, MD and the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Bethesda, MD for over 40 years, from 1965-2006. In 2005, he received the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award for outstanding work in the field of structure-borne noise measurement and silencing of the US Navy Submarine Force. Harold’s knowledge of noise generation and transmission was key in the development of the quietest submarines in the world.
Born November 27, 1941 in Washington, DC, Harold was the son of Harold W. Murray Sr, who died when he was only 6, and his mother Mabel Funk Murray. As a teenager he moved to Neffsville, PA and graduated from Manheim Township High School in Lancaster, PA. Harold went on to graduate from Albright College with a B.S. in science in 1965 and a B.S. in electrical engineering from Penn State University that same year.
In 1975, he met his wife, Audrey, an English teacher who worked with his mother, who was the head of the English Department at Manheim Township High School. The two married in 1976 and enjoyed reading, hiking (especially in the western US), and gardening. Together they were members of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Annapolis, MD. Harold battled Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia for many years of his life but always did so with a positive attitude. He had been in remission for many years before his death.
He is survived by his wife, Audrey Musser Murray of Annapolis, MD, a brother, Martin Murray of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, his two daughters, Elaine Strauss (wife of Joe Strauss) of Annapolis, MD, and Liz Murray of New Bern, NC, and 7 grandchildren.
Visitation will be held March 31, 2026 from 2-5 pm at Lasting Tributes, 814 Bestgate Road in Annapolis, MD followed by a burial at 12 noon, April 2 at Crossroads Church in Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania. A memorial service will be held at 3 pm, April 18th at Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 710 Ridgely Ave. in Annapolis.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America or Annapolis Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
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