Murray John Towle

Murray John Towle, 84, of Auburn, passed away suddenly and inexplicably on Sunday, April 5, 2026 at the Elliot Hospital in Manchester. He was born on February 18, 1942 and was the only child of the late Dr. Murray H. and Beatrice (Markey) Towle.

Murray was born and raised in Manchester. He attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School and graduated Manchester Central High School in 1959, where he was on the wrestling and football teams. Upon graduation, he was accepted as a cadet into the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, receiving a degree in engineering in the 1963 graduating class. He served tours in Vietnam and on his return, he went on to earn a Master’s degree in Biology from San Diego State University where he met his future wife, Fran Whitfield. After that, he began his second profession working for several years in medical research labs at Harvard and Yale Medical schools. He was a Senior Research Scientist at Eisai Research Institute in Andover, MA for 20 years before his retirement in 2011.

Boats and boating were Murray’s life-long passion. In the 1970’s he owned and operated a Charter sailboat in the Virgin Islands. The highlight of his boating life was cruising and sailing with Fran on their cherished ALSKARINNA in the waters of New England, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean Sea.

Murray is survived by his wife and soul-mate of 53 years: Frances (“Franny” to him) Towle; his son: Murray “Chip” Towle and wife Jyd; his stepson: Brad Whitfield and wife Cheryl; six grandchildren: Bradley Whitfield Jr. and wife Alysha, Samantha Billings and husband Jeremy, Ashley Kalloger and husband Sean, Harlan Whitfield, Alexandra Towle, Sydney Towle; and five great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by two stepsons: Taylor and Clay Whitfield.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester from 5pm – 7pm. A celebration of life and burial will be held in the summer.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in Murray’s honor to the Coast Guard Academy Foundation, 394 Taugwonk Road, Stonington, CT 06378.

For online condolences, please visit www.LambertFuneralHome.com.