The death of Murray Dale Shackelford, Sr., marks the end of a life of service and family devotion.
Highlights
- Murray Dale Shackelford, Sr. served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years and later built a successful civilian career while remaining deeply involved in his community.
- He shared 65 years of marriage with his wife, Rosemary, and was a dedicated father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, always supporting his loved ones in their endeavors.
- Murray passed away at 87, surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and cherished traditions that will be remembered by all who knew him.
Murray Dale Shackelford, Sr. lived a life marked by dedication to family, service to country, and commitment to community.
He was born in Bellaire, Ohio on September 2, 1937. His parents, Dale E. and Freida Kocher Shackelford raised him as their only child.
In his youth, Murray spent much of his free time playing basketball at the Rose Hill School playground.
His passion for the sport led him to become a star player on his high school team. He graduated from Bellaire High School in May 1955.
Shortly after graduation, on July 5, 1955, Murray and seven of his friends enlisted in the US Air Force.
They took their basic training at Sampson AFB on Seneca Lake. Murray served eight years in the Air Force.
During his service, he was stationed at various locations, including Amarillo, Texas, Japan, Griffiss AFB, Oscoda, Michigan, and Grand Forks, North Dakota.
The seven friends who enlisted together maintained their friendship throughout their lives.
While stationed at Griffiss, Murray met Rosemary Masi, who would become the love of his life.
They married on October 24, 1959, at St. John the Baptist Church. Their marriage lasted 65 years, which they celebrated shortly before his passing.
After his military service, Murray and Rosemary returned to Rome to raise their family.
Murray began his civilian career at General Cable Corp, where he was promoted to foreman after just 15 months.
He worked there for seven years until the company closed. Over the years, he worked as a foreman at several companies, including Pettibone, Spargo Wire, and Revere.
He ultimately retired from Rome Cable after 22 years of service.
Murray was deeply involved in his community. He coached and refereed for Fran Allison Basketball while his sons were growing up.
He also played in a weekly men’s night pickup league. Murray faithfully supported his sons’ and grandchildren’s sports activities.
He and Rosemary were constant fixtures in the stands, always cheering them on.
In 2017, Murray and Rosemary took a memorable trip to Italy with several family members.
They visited Venice, Florence, Rome, and Sorrento. They also had a joyous reunion with relatives in Basilicata, Italy. This trip remained a favorite topic at family gatherings.
Celebrating the Life and Mourning the Death of Murray Dale Shackelford, Sr.
Murray Dale Shackelford, Sr. passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025, after a brief illness.
He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 87 years old.
Murray leaves behind a large and loving family. His wife of 65 years, Rosemary, survives him.
Likewise, he is also survived by their daughter Anita and her husband Michael, along with their children Madeline (George) and Luke (fiancée Colleen).
His son Michael and wife Joyce survive him, along with their daughter Elizabeth (Christopher) and her children Hudson, Brooks, and Olivia.
Son Andrew (fiancée Macy) also survives, as does Murray Jr. (Jamie) and Murray’s children Jacob (Emina), Martina, and Samantha. His sister-in-law, Donna Masi, also mourns his loss.
Murray was looking forward to his grandson Andrew’s upcoming wedding. He was also excited about spending quality time with his three great-grandchildren in Arizona.
The family expressed special gratitude to Dr. Brian Alessi, RN Kim, and the Hospice team for their care and compassion.
They also thanked family nurses Anita and Jamie for their guidance and love during Murray’s final days.
Funeral services for Murray Shackelford were held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home in Rome.
Family and friends called from 3-5 p.m. on the same day. A spring burial will take place in Rome Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorial contributions be made in Murray’s name to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. in New Hartford, New York.
Contributions can be made either by mail or online at hospicecareinc.org.
He and Rosemary enjoyed numerous trips to various northeastern states with his fellow Airmen.
His legacy of service, family devotion, and community involvement will be remembered by all who knew him.
Additional Information
- Murray took pride in his home and garden. He generously shared his garden’s bounty with family and neighbors.
- He also maintained Italian traditions, continuing to prepare the Italian fish dinner on Christmas Eve. All holiday dinners and special occasions under his roof were joyous events.
- Murray was a member of the Sampson AFB Veterans Fellowship.
