Murray Morris Axel, sharp-witted, avid reader, and skilled bridge player, died at the age of 96 in his San Luis Obispo home on Friday, June 8, 2012. He was born on Friday, April 21, 1916, in Brooklyn, NY.

Murray received a BA from New York City College and a Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School. He was a member of the New York Bar and was a CPA in both New York and CA. He served 5 years in the US Army, retiring with the rank of Captain.

After he left the Army, he worked as a Budget Analyst for 25 years at Norton Air Force Base preparing the budget for research and development of the Minute Man Missile System. When it came to volunteering his time, Murray had many interests. He was Business Manager of the Riverside Community Players in Riverside, CA for 30 years and President for 2 years.

He served as Treasurer of Riverside Temple Beth El for a year. He was a long-time member of the B.P.O.E. Elks and a member of Congregation Beth David in San Luis Obispo. Murray never let age prevent him from doing what he enjoyed.

At the early age of 3 he visited his father who was a movie projectionist at a local theatre and, ultimately, became a ticket-taker at the age of 10 during the Great Depression. His love of movies never ended.

A life-long learner, Murray enjoyed many Elder Hostel trips with his wife, Billie, and Road Scholar trips with his daughters. At the amazing age of 96, he prepared tax returns, attended theatre/special events, enjoyed his nightly martini with cheese and crackers, played word games on the computer and iPad, and texted messages and pictures to his family and friends.

He had a great sense of humor and loved to read and tell jokes. And with a good memory, he shared them with friends and relatives at every opportunity. His wonderful laugh was combined with a positive outlook on life that touched everyone around him.

He is survived by his three children: Leslie Dellaro of Riverside, CA, Deborah Lagomarsino of Paso Robles, CA, Stephen Axel of Deerfield, IL, and his two grandchildren: Michael Dellaro and Elizabeth Dellaro.

In lieu of a formal funeral/service in San Luis Obispo, there will be an honor guard service for his immediate family when he is interred at Riverside National Cemetery. For those wishing to celebrate Murray’s life, please consider donations to Congregation Beth David, 10180 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 or Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, 227 South St. Suite R, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

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