Obituaries
John Martin Murray, 86
March 05, 2025
John Martin Murray, 86, of Lititz, PA, formerly of Leola, PA, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Brethren Village in Lititz, PA. Born in Nickel Mines, PA, he was the son of the late Raymond and Lottie Wise Murray.
John graduated from Solanco High School in 1955 and was employed by Dart Container Corporation for over 49 years. He gave his heart and soul to the company and maintained an unwavering work ethic. While accumulating countless frequent flier miles traveling across the United States and the globe, he mentored and supported many colleagues. It wasn’t just a job — it was his passion, purpose, and identity.
Outside of work, he made every effort to spend time with and show love for his family and close friends. Beneath his gruff personality, you could find a humble man with a heart of gold and compassionate generosity. His hobbies included tinkering on the computer, building spreadsheets, mass-emailing stories and jokes, assembling digital puzzles, and traveling with his wife in pursuit of collectibles and shopping extravaganzas.
During retirement, he enjoyed relaxing, watching television, meeting up with buddies for breakfast at Oregon Dairy, and a good nap in the recliner.
He is survived by his daughter, Jann Denlinger (Mike); son, John Matthew Murray (Kim); his grandchildren, Jeremy Denlinger (Lea), Jenna Denlinger, and twins Lucas Murray and Lindsay Murray; and his great-grandchildren, Ernest Denlinger and Abegail Denlinger. Also surviving are his siblings, Mary Lou Shaab, Raymond Murray (Lana), George Murray (Ella Mae), and Charlotte Smith. Preceding him in death were his wife of 50 years, Linda; a daughter, Sandra Lee Murray; and a sister, Linda Seldomridge.
Per John’s wishes, there will be no service. His ashes will be buried with his wife Linda’s in the same lot in The Garden of the Good Shepherd at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens in Columbia, PA. They will always be together. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice and Community Care, 686 Good Drive, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.
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Condolences to the Family
April 07, 2025
Mr. Murray was a great man and an amazing leader. I remember our conversations fondly and he will be missed. My condolences to the Murray family.
Jeff Hamilton
March 11, 2025
We will always remember our trips to England and the Matchbox and Lledo Conventions that we shared together. John was our tour guide. It was something we will never forget. John and Linda touched the hearts of so many.😘😘 Mike and Joyce Appnel
March 11, 2025
John made all employees of Dart Container whom he worked with better stewards of the company. Gruff, sometimes, but truly passionate and kind. He will be missed by all who respected and learned from him.
Phil Hecksel
March 09, 2025
Uncle John was a perfect uncle and a great man. Emails and visits and phone calls and generous gestures galore, Johnny consistently found ways to make my and others’ lives better, though he would always deflect my gratitude and thank yous. He had a heart of gold, but he seemed to prefer to keep that from being the focus of conversation. Though not outwardly emotive, Johnny cared deeply about family and friends, and his actions over decades said love, loudly, to those of us fortunate to be family and to many other folks lucky enough to have Johnny take an interest in their well-being. I miss you Uncle John and Aunt Linda.
Kurt Murray
March 08, 2025
Mr. Murray as I always called him was one of a kind, from the first time i meet him i said who is that, my boss he said that is Mr Murray! What a great man although i thought he was tough he was not he was a great man and help you learn FELLA!! Yep he would say Fella all the time. He was very smart and wanted you to learn.. he truly made Dart a great place to work. I will miss You Mr Murray. R.I.P.
Thomas Casey
March 07, 2025
Dear Murray Family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. John was the greatest boss I ever knew. He was a great man. God bless him
Adam and Roxy Hope
March 07, 2025
Uncle John was a kind and generous person who will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He helped many people get a good start in the working world, including me. Now Uncle John and Aunt Linda are reunited, along with their parents, siblings, and Sandy.
Keat Murray
March 07, 2025
Dear John and family.. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Ernie Massey
March 07, 2025
My condolences to Mr. Murray’s family.
Mr. Murray, I owe you a world of gratitude for what you taught me while working together. Those lessons and shared experiences continue to shape my life today. I was very happy that retirement and distance had no bearing on our relationship. I’m glad we were able to spend some time together a while ago.
I will miss you Mr. Murray. Thank you for your patience and trust in me. You will be in my thoughts forever.
God Bless you.
Mario Milano
March 07, 2025
I was brother dears baby sister and he made sure every one new that.Did not matter where we where he had to make sure every one knew. Linda had ask me before she passed to keep a check up on him. In between his hollering and yelling we got along fine. (Oh and I hollered back). I would go see him 1 time a week get him stuff at the store.He did not care when he called me when he wanted something.He even called when I has at the camp. I sure will miss him
Charlotte Smith
March 07, 2025
Will always remembre John as a great family man and mentor, learned a lot from him, always received good advice from him, we will miss him. Rest in peace.
Gerardo Flores Dart Mexico
March 07, 2025
All our fond memories of John will forever be cherished. With admiration and gratitude, we remember the incredible life that has now passed. Sending our sincerest sympathy to the grieving family.
Ron & Bernadette Haldeman
March 06, 2025
To the family;
I had the pleasure to work with John for over 48 years. No truer words were ever spoken that beneath that gruffness was a man who was your best friend. His commitment to Dart Container (his work) was unmatched. He was a friend, breakfast buddy and someone who I respected deeply. John will be dearly by myself and so many.
