Robert Thomas "Bob" Murray, Jr, 71, of Newtown, died peacefully June 8, after being surrounded by the love of so many people. He was born on May 24, 1947, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and was the oldest of eight children of Robert T. Murray and Helen P. (Dwyer) Murray.

He spent the early years of his life growing up in Wantagh, N.Y., and attended St Agnes Cathedral High School in Rockville Centre, N.Y. He loved playing football and surfing during those years. Mr Murray was also a 1969 graduate of Providence College, where he received a bachelor's degree in business administration and made lifelong friendships. He was a very proud friar and loved seeing that tradition continue in his family throughout the years.

In 1967, Mr Murray met and married his beloved wife, Isabelle Lee MacKenzie, of Fairfield, and they were blessed with three loving children throughout their 38 years together.

He established a reputation in the food industry, commencing his career in marketing and sales with the Campbell Soup Company as an account manager. After 10 years and various positions, he became Division Sales Manager at Lenders Bagel for five years before moving into the position of Vice President of Sales with Sara Lee Corporation. Over the past several years, he also provided consulting services to food and consumer goods companies in the greater Connecticut regional area. He was respected in the industry as a mentor and a leader due to his dynamic personality and love of his product. He enjoyed boating, golfing, skiing, and vacationing, especially in the Outer Banks with family and friends. He was known as a hardworking man who was devoted to his family and faith.

His children, Kerry Elizabeth Murray of Newtown and Lee Margret Moore and her husband, Doug, of Westford, Mass.; four grandchildren, who he adored and cherished, Abigail Isabelle, Matthew Joseph, Lindsey Lee, and Daniel Robert; and a very large and devoted extended family, including his siblings and their spouses, Thomas J. and Regina Murray of Vienna, Va., Kevin and Patricia Murray of Bayville, N.Y., Marianne Weber of Dallas, Texas, Edward and Ellen Murray of Houston, Texas, Brian and Jennifer Murray of Baldwin, N.Y., and Ali and Raymond Watt of Babylon, N.Y.; brothers- and sister-in-law and their spouses, Malcolm and June MacKenzie of Fairfield, Margaret "Missy" and Mike Cummings of Shelton, and David and Mary MacKenzie of Fairfield; as well as 36 nieces and nephews; and 13 grand-nieces and nephews survive him. He is also survived by his long-time and loving companion of 12 years, Christine Fairchild of Newtown, who brought so much love and light into his life when he needed it most.

In addition to his wife, Isabelle, who predeceased him in 2006, his son, Robert T. Murray III, predeceased him in 2014.

Friends may call Thursday, June 14, from 4 to 8 pm, at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, June 15, at 10:30 am, in St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to raise money for Mr Murray's grandson, Daniel Robert, for his college fund, by visiting gofundme.com/bobmurray-danielscollegefund.