Donald Thomas Murray

Donald Thomas Murray, 93, passed away May 24, 2026 surrounded by family.  He was the beloved husband of the late Ruth Marie (Ferris) Murray.

Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, on July 6, 1932, Don was the son of Gertrude Kathryn Somers and Hugh Daniel Aloysius Murray, and one of ten children. He lived a life defined by deep faith, devotion to family, and an unwavering commitment to hard work and integrity.

Don met the love of his life, Ruth, in Key West, Florida during his service in the U.S. Navy, and they were married soon after. Together, they built a remarkable life, raising their ten children in Dunellen and Watchung, New Jersey. Over the course of an extraordinary 75-year marriage, Don and Ruth created a close-knit and loving family grounded in strong Christian values. As the heart of this large family, Don instilled in his children the importance of generosity, faith, responsibility, respect, and caring for one another.  Don believed deeply in giving back and quietly supported numerous churches and charitable organizations throughout his life.

In later years, Don and Ruth made their home on Siesta Key, Florida—a place that became especially dear to them. Their Siesta Key residence was not only a retreat, but a gathering place for family, filled with memories of time spent together enjoying the beach, golf, and the beauty of Florida living.

He spent 20 years at Bell Labs and supplemented his income by repairing televisions in the evenings, demonstrating that no task was too small when it came to supporting his family. In 1978, in a bold and courageous move, he left the security of his position to help develop the Colonial Square Mall while still raising a large family at home. He later pursued a successful career in real estate, guided by strong instincts and sound judgment. In the late 1980s, he invested in property on Siesta Key, beginning a lasting connection to the community he would come to love.

Don was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Serra Club, and he also volunteered at the VA Hospital, continuing his lifelong commitment to service.

He is survived by nine children: Tom, Connie, Diane, Christine, Sandy, John, Lorie, Jackie, and Colleen; daughters-in-law Sandy Pauli Murray and Laura Murray; and sons-in-law Joe Tamburini, Pete Desnoyers, and Charlie Greco. He was the proud grandfather of 21 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 2 step-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth, daughter Patricia; his parents; his two sisters: Eleanor Hugenbruch and Theresa King, seven brothers: Hugh, Richard, Francis, James, Robert, Eugene and Joseph Murray.

Don Murray will be remembered not only for what he built and achieved, but for his generosity, the lives he shaped, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. He is deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by his family and all who knew him.

His family takes comfort in knowing that his strength, wisdom, and love will remain with them always.

Viewing will be at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church (225 Mountain Blvd, Watchung, NJ 07069) from 9:00 am -10:45 am and the mass will follow at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Donald’s memory to the VA would be Donate online | Veteran Affairs (va.gov)

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