SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Gordon A. Murray Jr., 78, of Springfield, Vt., passed away comfortably at the veterans hospital in White River Junction, on Nov. 10, 2025.
Gordon was born on Nov. 19, 1946, to Gordon and Barbara (Tapper) Murray, of Ludlow, Vt. When Gordon was young, his family moved to Springfield, where he resided until his death.
Gordon was nicknamed “Sluggo,” as he liked a good fight; this name stuck throughout his adult life.
Gordon was very athletic, and a standout in varsity football at Springfield High School, even though he was only a sophomore at the time. At the start of his junior year, he left school to enlist in the Navy, where he was a rear-door gunner from 1964-1967, during the Vietnam War. Upon his return home, he tried his hand at machinery, working at J&L company in Springfield for several years. Realizing that the machine shop was not his cup of tea, Gordon opened Murray’s Antiques, which quickly became a passion and a lifelong career until his retirement in 2023.
Gordon’s hobbies were hunting and fishing, which he learned to love with his grandfather, and then with his son John. Gordon also played golf with his good friend Tony Gillette. He and Tony had many muscle cars between them, and loved to ride around Vermont at top speed. Tony and Gordy shared many happy memories, which included a good game of pool from time to time.
Gordon was a very devout member of the Church of Christ on Chester Road, barely missing a Sunday. Ernest “Puggy” Lamphere was a dear friend, who married he and his second wife Sandra in 2019.
Gordon looked forward to his alumni luncheons monthly at various restaurants, and especially sharing a smile with Darlyn Walker, Janice Bardis, and Jean (Donny) Bishop.
Animals were another passion of his, owning several cats and dogs throughout his lifetime.
Gordon is survived by his loving wife Sandra Kay; his stepson Zachary Barnes, of Connecticut; his many siblings Lee Murray, Michael Murray (Joy), Patrick Murray, Connie Conant, Dennis Murray (Sandy), and Chris Murray; and several nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents, his first wife Marcia, his son John, his sister Rosalie Viola, his sister-in-law Simone Murray (Lee), his brothers-in-law Scott Eliison and Roger Conant, and several aunts and uncles.
A service will be held at the Davis Memorial Chapel, on Dec. 1, at 11 a.m., with a military graveside service to follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, North Springfield. There will be a Celebration of Life in the spring, with date and time to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Springfield Humane Society.