Murray David Hauser

As I said at the celebration for Murray, I probably knew him the shortest amount of time. Nonetheless, he touched my soul, made me laugh, and was naughty all the way up to the end. I took Murray to his last meal at which time he insisted it was his birthday, so one of his favorite servers, Jessica, got a candle and we stuck it in a donut and we sang Happy Birthday to him. He didn't eat much that day except his beloved watermelon, but he enjoyed the attention of the staff who helped me serenade him.

Many of us who work with the elderly population, can get over- extended by accepting invitations to celebrations of life and funerals, so we usually decline. However, like me, there were several of us who attended Murray's celebration because....well because he was Murray! Like so many have already said, I can't explain how someone could combine naughty, funny, sweet and kind all in one, but he was the master at doing it.

From "the perky one" to you Murray....keep it up. Enjoy whatever you are doing to the fullest and keep everyone laughing.

While I haven’t seen Murray (or Mr. Hauser, as I knew him) in a few decades, he is woven into the fabric of my childhood memories—a presence I remember with fondness. My perspective was that of a pre-teen, but what I recall is a warm, humorous man devoted to his children. He offered a fun and different glimpse of life into my then-small world. He even remained a presence in my family’s life long after moving from the neighborhood, in the form of the huge plastic wrap dispenser from Continental we all affectionately referred to as “Murray-Wrap.” Aron, Alissa, and families, I’m sorry for your loss.

Murray, or “Grandpa,” loved me no matter the circumstances. He was kind, generous, and always put family first. That devotion was clear in so many ways—especially when he moved clear across the country just to be close when Eli was a baby.

He was also known for saying the most unexpected, sometimes awkward comments. At first, they threw me way off, but over time I grew to love his candid humor—and even learned to toss it right back at him. That playful back-and-forth became one of the things I cherished most.

Grandpa enjoyed gambling, as we all know, but he also had a deep appreciation for theatre and creative performances. He would seek out Broadway shows, Cirque du Soleil, and other entertaining events so that he could take me and the boys. I truly appreciated those times and feel blessed that they’re locked in my memory. I will continue bringing the boys to shows in your honor, Grandpa.

He supported me through some of the most challenging times in my life, and I will never forget that. His love for his own children and his three grandchildren was incredible to witness. He leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter.

Rest in peace, Grandpa. Keep a mint in your cargo pocket for me. I will need it one day on the other side.

It has taken me a while to write a tribute. I don't have the words to articulate how hard it has been to lose my dad. It has been a month since he passed away, and I'm still wishing I could call him and ask him a question or just hear his voice saying "I'm an old guy, what can I say??"

My dad charmed pretty much everyone with his uncanny ability to be a good humored, grumpy old man. Even though "joyfulness" isn't a word I would normally use to describe my dad, as I look back, I realize he was a really joyful person - always making a joke or saying something kind to the people around him. In the past year as he had more care needs, he would joke with the caregivers and tell them they were doing a good job, even as he was simultaneously complaining about how many pills he had to take.

The thing I miss most about my dad is how much he LOVED his family. He was absolutely devoted to me and Aron, and to his three grandchildren. I think he stuck around so long just because of how much he loved us and didn't want to leave us.

I don't think there will ever be anyone in the world who is as proud of me as my dad was - he was my biggest cheerleader. He wanted me to have a great life, and helped me become the person I am today. Some of my earliest and fondest memories are going to the horse races with him or playing cards - I think that's how I learned statistics in elementary school. Despite a sometimes chaotic household growing up, one thing I could always count on was my dad's almost religious devotion to bagels and lox on Sunday mornings.

With my dad's health declining over the last year, it allowed me and Aron to really come together as a solid team. So many siblings disagree and fight when things get hard, and Aron and I just got stronger and more in sync. Not to sound immodest, but my dad raised really good kids.

I talked to my dad almost every single day for the past five years and I feel totally adrift not being able to pick up the phone and hear him on the other end.

Murray Hauser was really the best dad anyone could ever ask for. I'm so grateful I got to have him as MY dad, and my life will be forever blessed. There is no question I won the dad lottery. I can only hope I continue to make him proud and I know when it is time for me to see him again, he will be there waiting for me with open arms and an inappropriate joke.

I met Murray when I was about 16. He dated my mom (Judy Disenhouse)for many years. He has been around for so long, he became a permanent fixture and treated me so, so well. He was one of the first adults who didn't dismiss me just because I was a teenager. He taught me all about numbers; how to read the horse racing pages, sudoku and taxes. He took me to OTB, of course! He spent many a Sunday mornings ad-libbing newspaper stories. It was very funny. He was always keen on spending time with my kids (Daniel and Jonathan Gatto). He was kind and always generous. I will miss him a lot and thank you Aaron for making this page and reaching out. Your dad was a great guy and will be missed.

So so, so many great memories. We were such a close family and because my mom and his mom were so extraordinarily close we were at their house often. Even though Murray was much older than I he never treated me as a kid, and I thought he was wonderful – so handsome, so kind to me and always with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. thank you, Alyssa and Aron for taking such good care of him. Love, Sandi

Aron & Alissa, thank you both for quickly starting this forum so friends and family can express our deepest condolences on the loss of your Dad, and our cousin. It is truly heartwarming to know how many years Murray got to spend close to his children, and grandchildren. I know you’ll miss him always, and be so grateful for the memories you both have forever. Our love, Bruce, Cindy & Jordan

I’ve been anticipating this moment for a while, and now that it’s here, I’m still in the middle of processing what it all means.

He was the most significant man in my life. A kind, generous father who always showed up for me, whether I needed something or not. He gave freely, often before thinking of himself (except when it came to food!). He had a light, fun spirit and an unmatched way of making people laugh. His humor and warmth touched so many.

Even growing up in a house that wasn’t always peaceful, Dad found a way to rise above the chaos and give me a sense of calm and connection. I think about him constantly when I’m with my own kids. So much of how I show up for them comes directly from how he showed up for me. That legacy lives on.

He didn’t always have a filter, and not everyone appreciated that at first. But he was always real, always himself. I loved that about him. And of course, there was his classic wise-ass sense of humor, sharp, dry, and perfectly timed. It’s been passed down to me, and now to Eli, Justice and Lincoln too. Sorry about that!

Some of my fondest memories are the simple ones, coming home from work with a bag of White Castle, tossing the ball in the backyard, shooting hoops, watching The A-Team, or our family ski trips and “Vacation-style” road adventures with Mom and my sister Alissa. Sundays often were for bagels and lox with the family.

My sister Alissa has been a huge presence in our lives, especially in these last few years as Dad’s health declined. She showed up in unexpected and incredible ways. I’m beyond grateful for her love, strength, and the way Dad brought us even closer together.

Dad loved his family deeply. He always wanted a full update on Eli and Lincoln, he lit up hearing about them. I know his love will continue to live on through them.

I love you, Dad. You’ll always be with me.

I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Murray. I am very glad that he was able to relocate to be near his children and grandchildren. My sincere condolences to the Hauser family.