Francis X. “Frank” Murray, 80, of South Burlington, Vt., passed away on January 24, 2025, in Irvine, Calif.
Born on May 4, 1944, in Darby, Pa., Frank was the second eldest of six sons of Michael and Helen Murray. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Joseph’s University (Philadelphia) in 1966, while attending night school and working full time at the FBI. Frank earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1969.
In 1967, Frank married the love of his life, Mary Anne Burke. Together they moved to Burlington, Vt., in 1970, where Frank joined his law school classmate, Joseph McNeil. He served as an assistant city attorney in Burlington from 1970 to 1971; Chittenden County deputy state’s attorney from 1972 to 1974; and was elected Chittenden County state’s attorney, a role he held from 1974 to 1976. His legal career was marked by a deep commitment to justice and public service.
For example, while Frank was intensely supportive of our police departments generally, and good police work in particular, he also could not abide corruption. This commitment led him to lead a major prosecution of a police officer who had falsely accused citizens of drug dealing throughout Vermont. His work in securing a conviction received nationwide attention and resulted in the book Mocking Justice.
Because of Frank’s reputation for integrity, and despite being a Democrat, Republican governor Richard Snelling asked Frank to serve as Vermont’s first lottery commissioner to make sure that the program ran free of corruption, and he did so.
In 1977, Frank and Joe cofounded the McNeil & Murray Law Firm in Burlington, where he became a respected and trusted advocate. In 1990 he transitioned to solo practice in South Burlington, where, alongside Mary Anne, he continued serving clients with skill and compassion until his retirement in 2010.
During Frank’s time in private practice, he was tasked by the City of Burlington to intervene in the first major test of Vermont’s Act 250. In doing this, he assembled a team of urban planners and academics and then presented such a compelling case that the proposal for a “Pyramid Mall” in Williston was not approved, in a landmark decision. As a result, Frank was invited by the American Bar Association to conduct a seminar for lawyers across the country on the strategy he used.
Frank also served on the South Burlington School Board from 1992 to 1994 and on the South Burlington City Council from 2009 to 2011.
Frank and Mary Anne built a loving family, adopting two children, Ryan and Moire. Ryan resides in Irvine, Calif., with his wife, Sheryn, and their two dogs. Moire lives in Sudbury, Mass., with her husband, Chris, and their two sons.
In the final years of his life, Frank battled dementia. As his condition progressed, he moved to a specialized memory care community in Irvine, Calif., at the end of February 2024, where he received the care and support he needed.
Beyond his legal career and travels, Frank’s favorite pastimes included playing, coaching and watching basketball. He spent four years coaching Moire’s teams and cheered her on throughout her high school years. As empty nesters, he and Mary Anne became devoted fans of the University of Vermont men’s basketball team. Their dedication was recognized when they were honored with the University of Vermont’s Sixth Man Award during the 1998-99 season.
Frank will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, dedication and integrity will live on in the many lives he touched. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Anne; children, Ryan (Sheryn) Murray and Moire (Chris) Carmody; grandchildren, Liam and Seamus Carmody; granddogs, Oliver, Charlie and Tucker; siblings Paul (Rose) Murray, Charles Murray and Dennis (Ruth) Murray; sisters-in-law Maureen Murray and Betty Jo Murray; and a large extended family. Frank was predeceased by his brothers Michael and Joe and his sister-in-law Helen Murray.
A memorial service will take place in Vermont in late spring or early summer 2025.
To view obituary or share online condolences, please visit OConnorMortuary.com.
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This article appears in Feb 5-11, 2025.