Ophthalmology Times founding publisher David Murray dies

Naples, FL-David L. Murray, a founding publisher of Ophthalmology Times magazine, died Jan. 31 in Naples, FL. He was 72.

Murray and his wife, Zahna (“Zee”), were the former owners of Murray Communications, which published Ophthalmology Times and other medical titles. The New York City-based company was acquired by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich (HBJ) Publications in 1985, and Murray remained as a consultant. Two years later, HBJ Publications Vice Chairman Robert Edgell led a leveraged buyout of the company’s magazine branch, which then became known as Edgell Communications. The company was renamed Advanstar Communications in 1992, and Advanstar remains the publisher of Ophthalmology Times; other former Murray titles, Dermatology Times and Urology Times; and additional publications.

Murray had lived in Naples for the past 8 years after living in Tennessee. In addition to his wife of 32 years, he is survived by two daughters, two sons, two stepchildren, and nine grandchildren.