Murray David LaVine

  Murray David LaVine, 88, lifelong resident of Utica, passed away peacefully, Friday, January 23, 2026, in the warm comfort and love of his family at his residence, where his daughters, Karen and Sharon cared for him in his last years.

    He was born on February 20, 1937, in Utica, the son of the late Emanuel and Rae Fink LaVine. Murray was the only child and graduated from Utica Free Academy. A lifelong resident of Utica, he was enormously proud and knowledgeable about the city of Utica and all its people from multiple generations. Murray was and always will be deeply embedded in the community.

    Murray married the love of his life, Mazal who immigrated from Israel to Utica. They shared a blessed union for 53 years until his passing.

   Murray was a man who had a profound sense of humor, and he always liked to make funny jokes in moments and loved to make people laugh everywhere he went. He was exceptionally good at engaging with all diverse types of people, including strangers that he would meet. He loved to have witty banter with people. Murray really loved talking to people, telling stories, and was very social. He was a real character. Everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him knew how he was and really appreciated his personality and charisma. He had or made friends everywhere he went.

    He was a hearty, blue-collar worker who ran the operations at Empire Furniture in Utica for over 40 years. He also worked hard physically delivering the furniture into people’s homes. He worked till even after his retirement age into his 70’s. But his greatest talent was his ability to accommodate the needs of every customer who walked through the door and found a way to be able to make a sale that was affordable for them.

    In his early years, Murray was an exceptional pitcher for the Utica Free Academy baseball team. He broke many records for strikeouts displaying his exceptional talent His love for baseball led him to being an avid fan of the NY Yankees. Murray loved music and would often sing songs at random times.

   Murray was an active member of Congregation Zvi Jacob where he attended services regularly. He was a staunch supporter of the entire Jewish community and all its aspects.  

   Murray was a real family man he loved being with his family more than anything and he was a simple man that appreciated the little things in life.

Murray was a lover of American cars. He owned a 69 Pontiac Catalina for 20 years of which he was immensely proud. 

   Murray had a huge heart and was always there for his friends and family. He was selfless and everything he did was for his family. His memories and legacy will be carrying on for many years through all the peoples’ lives he touched. 

   He is survived by his devoted wife, Mazal; his daughters, Emanuella Quartuccio and her husband, Ben, Sharon LaVine and her fiancé, Donovan James and Karen LaVine-Molina and her husband, Carlos; his son, David LaVine; his grandchildren Armani Dante Woods, Delilah Molina and Adin LaVine; his caregivers, Mareeana Carter, Eugene Samuels and Sonya Rodriguez. 

   Murray’s funeral service will be held 12 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 from Congregation Zvi Jacob, 110 Memorial Parkway, Utica, with Rabbi Levy Yitzchok Charitonow, officiating. He will be laid to rest with his parents on the family plot in Temple Beth El Cemetery, Wood Road, Whitesboro, immediately following the service. 

   The family will observe Shiva at the family home Tuesday, January 27 from 3-7 p.m., Wednesday, January 28 from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. and Thursday, January 29 from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. Shiva Minyan Services will be held each night at 7 p.m.           

   LaVine family has entrusted their care in Scott J. Pizer for Jacobson-Pizer Funeral Chapel. (315) 797-9121.