On March 31, 2025 we lost Murray Joseph Selwyn Kirshtein, at 90 years old, peacefully at his home in New Hartford, with the people he loved near him. Born June 22, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York to Rosalie and Barnet Kirshtein, Murray spent most of his childhood growing up in Utica and New Hartford. Murray earned his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University as well as his Juris Doctor Law Degree. In 1957, Murray and Dianne (Rifkin) were married in Syracuse New York, later residing in New Hartford, practicing law and business consulting in the region until his 90th birthday.

Murray had many hobbies, all of which he enjoyed to the highest level, including reading, more reading, golfing, tennis, skiing, watching hours of golf, tennis and ski races. He loved his 1957 Jaguar dearly and his Cadillac Eldorado convertible, still driving the Jaguar at 89 years old. Murray took private flying lessons in the early 70's, earned his Pilot License and purchased a single-engine Cessna 172. Let's not forget his love of Old English Sheepdogs too.

Most important to remember about Murray was his integrity, but let's not forget that his on-time behavior was only maybe bettered by a Rolex watch. He always took the "alta strada" or high road as translated from Italian, as there was no other road to be travelled. Be it a legal case, client consultation, advice to his children or personal beliefs, the guiding principles for them were rooted in an unwavering ethical and moral compass. Most of those close to Murray had one concise thing to say to describe him, "He broke the mold".   Murray did that and more. His stories were spun like a spider web and with an English language that few could recreate. The one word, if one word could be used to describe Murray most accurately, is the word "mensch".

Murray was predeceased by his wife Dianne; and his parents, Rosalie and Barnet Kirshtein. He is survived by his sister, Traci Solovey and her family; children, Kelli (Wendy) and Jonathan (Paula) and their families; and his closest ally through all the years, Joanne Catrombone-Di Giorgio; and finally, his dog Ollie.

The family owes a huge debt of gratitude to Joanne's devotion through all the years she worked for him as his Administrator, but more importantly, as a member of the family. The care Murray received from Katherine Burnett and her team at Live Long at Home, in his last months at his home was done with such kindness and friendship, catering to his eclectic food tastes.

Murray was an active member of the NYS Bar Association since 1959, a strong supporter of the State of Israel as a proud Jewish -American man and a Trustee of Temple Beth-El, Utica.

Donations can be made in his memory to Temple Beth-El of Utica, NY or any other charity of sorts, especially an animal shelter.

At his residence, 6 Hubbardton Road, New Hartford, Shiva will be from 6:30 -8 pm Wednesday and Thursday, April 2 -3, calling hours also Thursday April 3rd from 2-4 pm at his home.

Graveside services will be at Temple Beth-El Cemetery, Wood Road, Whitesboro at 1 pm on Wednesday April, 2, 2025.

Arrangements are with the Mark C. Bentz Funeral Service, Inc, New Hartford.