Murray Keshner, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather left this earthly plane early Saturday, July 31, just days before his 96th birthday. He was born August 2, 1925 in Brooklyn, NY.
In his many roles as husband of 73 years, art director, dad, painter, singer, and teacher, he touched many lives, and impressed all with his big-hearted sincerity. Starting as a talented Bronx boy with an Art Students League scholarship, Murray served as a radio operator on the front lines of the Battle of the Bulge, then returned to civilian life to meet New Haven, CT native, fellow camp counselor, musician and the love of his life, Joyce Grove Keshner. They were married June 1948.
After graduating from Pratt Institute and doing freelance work, he established himself as art director of 40 years for Funk & Wagnalls publications. Murray always pursued his love of music as a choral singer and community theater actor.
The Keshners moved from the Bronx to Paramus, NJ, then, after retirement, to Tucson, AZ where he endeared himself to his many students at the Tucson JCC. In his last few years while enduring health problems, Murray continued his classes over Zoom and still turned out three paintings per week. His quiet determination, kindness and creativity have been an inspiration to many.
Murray is survived by his wife Joyce, children Cheryl and Hal, and many grand and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held in the Tucson Jewish Community Center on Sunday August 1, 2021 at 2:30 PM Arizona time and live-streamed to those who could not be there in person.
