ALTAMONT — At his home, surrounded by his wife and children, Owen L. Murray of Altamont died on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019. A village trustee and volunteer firefighter for three-quarters of a century, Mr. Murray was, as his family put it, “an enthusiastic supporter of the village.” He was 90.

Born in Lake Placid, New York on Nov. 6, 1928, he was the son of the late Leo and Irene Murray of Chateaugay, New York. Mr. Murray grew up in Chateaugay, graduating from Chateaugay High School in 1947. It was in Chateaugay that he wooed and won his wife of nearly 64 years, Myrtle Sweet. Owen and Myrtle eventually moved to Clarence Center, New York, and then to Altamont in 1969.

Mr. Murray spent his career working for the New York State Department of Agriculture in Dairy Industry Services for 37 years, retiring in 1994. He was a long-time member of and past chief of the Altamont Fire Department, accumulating over 74 years of volunteer service as a firefighter in three departments.

He served as a trustee for the village of Altamont and was a tireless and enthusiastic supporter of the village. He and his wife have been long-time congregants of the Altamont Reformed Church.

“Owen served our country in Germany during the Korean War years, receiving an honorable discharge,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He lived his life as a devoted family man, taking his family across country and spending many a summer vacation at the beach in Avalon, New Jersey.

“He was a collector specializing in New York State half-pint milk bottles, antique cow creamers, and all things dairy- and firefighting-related. He has received numerous service awards from his employment and the community he loved.”

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Owen L. Murray is survived by his wife, Myrtle, of Altamont; by his sons, Laurin Trainer and Mark Murray, both of Altamont; and by his daughter, Kim Bessette, and her husband, Tom, of Delmar.

He is also survived by his daughters-in-law, Carol Trainer of Clarence, New York and Cindy Creasy of Duanesburg; by his sisters, Nina Morgan of Chateaugay, New York, and Julia Casey of Fort Edward, New York; and by his brothers, Garth Murray of Bath, New York, and Glenn Murray of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

He is survived, too, by his grandchildren, Jason Trainer and his wife, Marie, of Spencerport, New York, Britt Eliott and her husband, Hector, of Hout Bay, South Africa, Elena Murray, Connor Murray; and Jenna Bessette of Delmar; by his great-grandchildren, Mya, Seth, and Breah Trainer, and Elizabeth and Sasha Eliott; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

His son, Don Trainer, who had lived in Clarence, New York, died before him, as did his sister Leta Lobdell, who had lived in Chateaugay, and his brother Craig Murray, who had lived in Buffalo.

The family thanks “the extraordinary caregivers who helped in the last months, especially Danielle, Rondah and Theresa.”

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Fredendall Funeral Home at 199 Main Street in Altamont NY., with a memorial service to follow at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be in East Side Cemetery in Chateaugay at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Altamont Fire Department, 115 Main St, Altamont, NY 12009, or to the Altamont Reformed Church, 129 Lincoln Ave, Altamont, NY 12009.