David "Dave" B. Murdock, 73, of Utica, peacefully entered into eternal rest surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, October 20, 2015. Dave was born on April 6, 1942 in Utica, NY to Robert and Mary L. (Andrews) Murdock. Dave attended local schools and graduated high school from UFA. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1964-1967 in the Seabees Division during the Vietnam War. Dave was employed by the New York State Office of Mental Health for over 30 years beginning in 1970 until his retirement in 2000 from Central New York Psychiatric Center. Dave was a member of the American Legion Post 229 in North Utica, Eagles Club #97 in Deerfield and the AmVets Post #384 in Utica. Dave was an avid golfer and shared his love of the sport with his grandson Zachary, his daughters and their husbands. They could often be found golfing together at the Eagles club in Deerfield. Dave never missed Zachary's games whether it was football, hockey or baseball season, even traveling to away games. He was a long time N.Y. Yankees, Buffalo Bills and Syracuse Orange fan. Dave immensely enjoyed family parties and back yard cookouts. He loved to share stories of his childhood summers in Holland Patent, ice-skating at the Parkway Rec Center and family vacations in Maine and the Jersey Shore. One of Dave's favorite moments was when he sunk a hole in one at the Eagles Club with his son-in-law Michael. Family was everything to Dave. On September 14, 1968 he married the love of his life Patricia Johnson with whom he recently celebrated 47 wonderful years of marriage. He leaves an empty space in the lives of his daughters and sons-in-law, Kimberly and Edward Wessinger and Kristen and Michael Skobla; and his grandson, Zachary, who was the light of his life. He also leaves his brother Bob and wife Carol and their family; his Aunt Jean Smith; his Aunt Helen Morelli; his in-laws, Catherine Johnson, Robert Johnson, Mary T. Lein, Rose Johnson; nieces and nephews Mary and Ken Warren, Mark Johnson, Christopher and Patti Lein, his god children Mary Estelle May and Christopher G. Lein and great nieces Isabella and Harper Lein; his cousins Peter and Maureen Ruben, Barbara and Gordon Daley, Robert and Natalie McGraw and their families and many extended family members that held a special place in his heart. Dave was grateful for the help he received during his illness from special cousins Elizabeth Morelli and Erin Abrams. Friend Jerry Welpe from American Legion Post #229 who also supported him during this time. He had many friends who were like family including Mary Kate Rinko and Karen Sikora. Dave and the family also appreciated the care providers who made his extended illness much easier to cope with, with special mention to Dr. Arul Kannan, Tony Burnett, Sharon Tomaino and Cathy Welch. Dave loved spending time with his buddies at American Legion Post #229 and from his golf league at the Eagles Club in Deerfield. Dave was predeceased by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Charles and Mary Johnson, sister-in-law Rosemarie Johnson, brothers-in-law Charles Johnson, Jr. and George Lein. In keeping with Dave's wishes, there are no calling hours. A celebration of life mass will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 11 a.m. St. Peter's Parish on 422 Coventry Avenue, Utica. Burial with Military Honors will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Utica. In lieu of floral arrangements please consider mass cards.