Michael B. Murdoch passed away on March 21, 2023 at the age of 69.  He was born in Landstuhl, Germany. Mike graduated from Hershey High School in 1971, received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the US Air Force Academy in 1975, and a Master of Science degree from Boston University in 1985.

Following completion of US Air Force pilot training at Vance AFB, OK, Mike was assigned to numerous flying and staff positions in the United States and abroad, including assignments as a check pilot and as the commander of a combat airlift training squadron. Mike retired from the USAF as a lieutenant colonel in August 1996 after 21 years of service.

In September 1999, Mike joined Spirit Airlines where he achieved the rank of Airbus Captain in the A-321 aircraft, a position held until his retirement in 2018.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Erin Murdoch, of Hershey; granddaughter Matilda Murdoch of New York City; sister Gale D’Aurio of Hershey; brother Crawford and wife Marian of FL; brother Steve and wife Connie of Colorado, and numerous nieces and nephews.  

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Crawford Murdoch of Hershey, and by his son, Christopher, of Hershey. 

Services will be held at Hoover Funeral Home in Hershey at noon on Thursday, March 30, 2023, followed by burial at Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105; or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa FL 33607.  

Mike and I met while playing on the baseball team at USAFA. He was an excellent player and teammate, but he was an even better person and friend. His integrity and character were above reproach, and his dry sense of humor always made me laugh. My deepest sympathies go to Mike's family. 

– Jeff Krumeich

Mike, you’re gone too soon, but we will meet again! I’ll always remember playing softball against you at Little Rock, since we were in different squadrons. Always a band of brothers, 75 Best Alive!

– Jeff Chappell

I knew Mike at the Academy, we met during basic training. We were in different cadet groups during our Academy days, but I respected Mike as a hard worker and trustworthy guy. His passing is a loss to our Academy class, his family and the community. My condolences, and my respects to a classmate who served his nation with honor.

– Terry Young

Mike and I both left for USAFA from the Harrisburg Airport on July 4, 1971. We had never met before but ended up traveling together. In later years we compared stories and found that each set of parents had looked at the other cadet-to-be and told theirs “that guy looks like he knows what he’s doing — don’t be afraid to follow him and do what he does to make sure you make your connection”.

When we arrived at Colorado Springs I had planned to spend the evening before in-processing at a local hotel while Mike was staying with family friends. Mike graciously arranged for me to stay with them as well, a cheerful sendoff prior to our entering Basic Cadet Training the next day.

Over the next few years we usually found ourselves on the same flights to and from home for various breaks, and shared a beer or two in an O’Hare airport pub waiting for our connection.

– Tom Topolski

God Bless the family of a truly wonderful USAFA classmate!

–Duane Jones