In Memoriam: Kenneth R. Murray, 85
Began Illustrious Banking Career as VP at Chase
Kenneth (Ken) R. Murray, who began his illustrious banking career as a vice president at Chase Manhattan Bank, died on March 5, 2024 at a hospice in Naples, FL, age 85.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was recruited by the Cincinnati Reds while still in high school, but his parents insisted that he go to college.
Murray attended Princeton University on scholarship, graduating with a degree in Economics in 1960. Upon his Princeton graduation, he served on the USS Saratoga as the Assistant Navigator from 1960 to 1963, having been promoted to Lieutenant. Murray received his MBA from New York University in 1967.
He joined Chase in 1963, leaving in 1973 as a Vice President in Corporate Banking. Between 1973 and 1981, he served as Senior Vice President, Old Stone Bank, Providence, RI; Executive Vice President Corporation Banking, Bancohio, Columbus, OH; President Western Region, Bancohio, and President, Columbus, Bancohio.
Murray moved to Norwest Corporation, Minneapolis, MN, in 1983, where he led the expansion of Norwest into the Rocky Mountain states and the Southwest during the 1990s. He also helped build the company’s Texas operations into the fourth largest in that state.
He retired from Wells Fargo & Co. in 1999 as Executive Vice President, having participated in its merger with Norwest.
Always thankful for his education, Murray established an endowment at Princeton that funds scholarships for students every year. He also cofounded the Bay Colony Scholarship Fund for children of employees.
Murray was a benefactor to many charities wherever he lived. In Naples, he was proud of his involvement with what eventually became the Healthcare Network of SW Florida, The Mayo Clinic, Artis-Naples, Humane Society Naples, and The Shelter for Abused Women and Children.
Murray served on the Board of the Center of Science and Industry. He was a member of Royal Poinciana Golf Club and, as a founding member of Bay Colony Golf Club, he served as the first finance chair.
His survivors include his wife, Jackie Bennett Murray, two daughters and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Sue.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Mayo Clinic at www.mayoclinic.org/development or mailed to Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
A Celebration of Life will be held May 4, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at Bay Colony Golf Club, 9740 Bent Grass Bend, Naples, FL.