John R. Murray

John Robert Murray, 86, of Locust, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2020 at his home. He was born in Newark, NJ and raised in an Irish Catholic family of four siblings, by his late parents James Aloysius and Mary (Loftus) Murray. Jack resided in Union Beach where he served as a councilman before settling in Middletown 51 years ago. Jack held several professional positions in his lifetime but he loved project management and he dedicated his time, energy, and heart to the people and projects that mattered most to him. He became a familiar face at many of Middletown’s youth basketball games and could be found on the sidelines coaching AAU, MYAA, and the Special Olympics after retiring.

Jack was a larger than life, a fantastic storyteller who really shone in the light of those he loved. Anyone who knew him surely has a story that makes them smile when thinking of him. He lived his life to the fullest. He was unfaltering in his fervent love for his family, and his adventurous spirit did not seem to dull with age. He will be forever missed and remembered as a loving, dedicated father and grandfather aka “Poppy.”

Jack’s greatest joy in life was being with his family. He is predeceased by his siblings, Joan Stadelman and Arlene Lloyd. Surviving is his beloved wife, Anna (Recchia) Murray, his dear brother Lee and his wife Veronica Murray, his loving children, Sharon Murray, Brian and his wife Lori, James and his wife Jacqueline, Sean and his wife Christina and Mark Murray, his cherished grandchildren, James and his wife Elspeth, Allison and her husband Raymond, John, Breanne and her husband James, Brittany and her husband Jarred, Kyle and his wife Amanda, Ryan, Andrew and his wife Sierra, Nicholas, Phoenix and Zoe, his great grandchildren, Benjamin, Declan and Vivienne. Also surviving are many loving nieces and nephews.

All funeral arrangements are private and under the direction of the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank, NJ 07701. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in John’s memory to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, Attn: Memorials Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959

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