Donald Louis Murray

Donald Louis Murray passed away January 15, 2022, at the age of 90 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice in Scarborough, Maine, in the arms of his beloved wife Miki. The son of John Randall Murray and Viola Elizabeth Schaubert, he was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 1931 during the depths of the depression. He discovered and displayed his leadership ability early in a variety of roles. In the 9th grade, he was president of student council. In the Boy Scouts, which he considered the most transformative influence in his life, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Don was the first of his family to graduate from college, earning a BS in Speech from the University of Wisconsin and a Masters in Theatre from Michigan State University. There, he met the love of his life, Mabelle Lou “Miki” Kelly. Don went on to earn a Ph.D. in Theatre from the University of Michigan and joined the faculty at the University of Connecticut as a Professor of Dramatic Arts. He eventually became Associate Dean of the School of Fine Arts and retired as Professor Emeritus. He was a long-time designer for UConn’s Nutmeg Summer Theater. During his tenure at the University of Connecticut, he designed over 120 major productions. UConn’s theatrical workshops, basement, and the catwalks of Jorgensen Auditorium were a favorite playground for his young sons. Don believed deeply in giving back to his community, serving as a councilman, justice of the peace, director/chair of the local United Way, and trustee and board chairman of Miles Memorial Hospital. He served his country in the Navy Reserves and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Don and Miki married in 1956 and celebrated 65 years of marriage in 2021. They retired to Chamberlain on the Pemaquid Peninsula in coastal Maine in 1986, where he built an extraordinary seaside home.

Don is predeceased by his parents, his younger brother John, and youngest sister Patricia. He is survived by his wife Miki and sister Joan; his sons Jeffrey and wife Audrey, Matthew and wife Nancy, and Scott and wife Amy; his grandchildren Kendra, Jordan, Caroline, and William; his great-grandchildren Peter and Theodore; and his beloved standard poodle Jamie. We all loved him and miss him deeply.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00PM to 4:00PM on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at The Long Cove Point Association Clubhouse, 44 Long Cove Point Rd, Chamberlain, ME 04541.