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Mary Theresa (Murray) Reffler, 73, of Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Born in Plainfield, Mary was raised in Dunellen by her parents, Joseph Anthony Murray and Mary Theresa (Fitzgerald) Murray. She will be remembered most for the joy she found in being with the people she loved—family and friends, and especially her grandchildren.
Mary attended Dunellen High School where she was captain of the varsity cheer squad and met her high school sweetheart, Richard C. Reffler. Together for 58 years, they were married for nearly 53. They made their home in Green Brook for most of their life together, raising two children, Jessica and Rick Jr. She was actively involved in the schools and served as President of the Pop Warner-Youth Football program for over 5yrs. More recently, they moved to Point Pleasant Beach, creating a central place to gather and make new memories with their six grandchildren.
Mary built a remarkable career in the electrical industry spanning more than 42 years. She was a founding member of Northern Electric, serving as Operations Manager. After the company was sold to General Electric, she continued her work there for several years, then spent an additional decade with Lubeck Electric. After a brief retirement—devoted to the full-time joys of being a loving, doting “Grandmom”—Mary joined her son in managing the operations of his business, RCR Associates. An avid reader, Mary devoured mystery and historical fiction novels and was known for her sharp mind, savvy shopping skills, and talent for crossword and Sudoku puzzles. She rarely missed a dance recital or sporting event for her children and grandchildren; cheering loudly, leading chants, and never hesitating to question a referee’s call. Mary and Rick were also known for their time on the dance floor at celebrations, their knack for lucky jackpots at slot machines, and the many vacations they enjoyed together.
Above all, Mary’s happiest moments were spent celebrating holidays and traveling with family—especially treasured trips to the Bahamas with her grandchildren. Mary was predeceased by her parents, Joseph Anthony Murray and Mary Theresa (Fitzgerald) Murray; her sisters, Sue Ellen Hughes (Jerry) and Cathy Ann Krainski (Jim); her brother, Jack Murray (Nancy); and her granddaughter, Lily Grace Frederick. She is survived by her husband, Richard C. Reffler of Point Pleasant Beach; her children, Jessica M. Frederick (Craig) of Woolwich and their children Justin, Evan, and Jenna, and Richard C. Reffler Jr. of Manasquan and his children Nicholas, Matthew, and Alexa. She is also survived by her brother, Joseph Murray (Janice), and her sister, Peggy Fiumara (Paul). Mary will be deeply missed for her steadfast love and care as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 12, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Friday, March 13, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Sheenan Funeral Home, 233 Dunellen Avenue, Dunellen, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, March 13, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, Dunellen, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary T. (Murray) Reffler, please visit our floral store.
American Heart Association
Web: http://heart.org
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/