Murray Grieve Albertson a retired engineer, businessman and long-time local resident of Vero Beach, died peacefully at Harbor Chase on Dec. 20, 2015. He was 90 and married to his life soul mate, Marjorie (Erickson) Albertson, for 61 years.

Born in Oradell, N.J., on April 4, 1925, he was the son of the late John G. Albertson and Jess Richmond Albertson. Second to older brother Jack, he graduated from Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood, N.J. He joined the Navy in 1943, trained as a radio technician for the submarine service and was sent to the Pacific before being returned the states for the Navy V12 program. After the war he graduated from Swarthmore College with a degree in civil engineering.

He began his career in New York City, where he met and married Marjorie and settled in Connecticut, in Rowayton, and then in New Canaan, where they raised three children. In 1961 he formed his one-man engineering firm, which was later to be known as Albertson, Sharp & Ewing in Norwalk, Conn., an engineering and architectural design firm. After his retirement in 1985 he designed and built new houses including his own. He said it was his greatest joy.

A man of many facets he had countless interests and truly loved life. He was ever optimistic and open to tackle new innovative ideas. He was always ready with a quick pun and a spin on the dance floor!

Murray enjoyed sports and outdoor activities, especially tennis, which he played all his life. He also enjoyed skiing, which included many family trips to Vermont and in later years was an enthusiastic golfer. He spent many memorable summers with family at his beloved home in Quonochontaug, R.I., with activities that included boating, clamming, fishing and growing raspberries. Murray and his wife shared their love of travel throughout the world.

A member of Central Assembly Church of Vero Beach, Murray was a former trustee and deacon of the Congregational Church of New Canaan, Conn. He was past president and member of the Rotary Club of Norwalk, Conn., for over 40 years. Also he served as board member of the Norwalk YMCA and ABC House of New Canaan. He is past president of Pivot Ministries of Bridgeport, Conn. He was a former member of the Country Club of New Canaan, Weekapug Golf Club, the Sea Oaks Beach and Tennis Club and volunteered at the Indian River Habitat for Humanity.

A devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife, Marjorie; and his children, Tom Albertson and his wife, Nancy, of Rockport, Bonnie Kelly and her husband, David, of DeFuniak Springs, Fla., and Lisa Kelley and her husband, Paul, of Houston, Texas; and eight grandchildren, David, Sarah, Jessica, Caroline, Shawn, Allan, Meghan and Katie.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 2 at 11 a.m. at Strunk Funeral Home, 916 – 17th Street in Vero Beach, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Indian River County, 4568 N. US Highway 1, Vero, Beach, FL 32967 or Pivot Ministries, 485 Jane St., Bridgeport, CT 06608.