Honor Mayor Eugene Murray

Senate Resolution No. 1087 BY: Senator KAMINSKY MOURNING the death of Eugene J. Murray, the longest-serving mayor in the history of the Village of Rockville Centre, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that this Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to pay tribute to an eminent man of indomitable faith and dedication whose public service and countless accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm and inspiration for others; and WHEREAS, Eugene J. Murray of Rockville Centre, New York, died on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at the age of 93; and WHEREAS, Born on August 10, 1925, to William and Josephine Murray, Eugene J. Murray was one of 13 children; he graduated from St. Agnes High School and was a Eucharistic minister and a lector; and WHEREAS, Eugene J. Murray valiantly served his country as a member of the United States Army during World War II, during which time he saw combat with the 71st Infantry Division in France and Germany; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service in 1946, Eugene J. Murray founded Murray Floor Waxing Service, a business he owned and operated for four decades and which remains in the family today; and WHEREAS, Eugene J. Murray and the former Mary Lou Bernhardi were united in marriage on December 27, 1947, and together they raised eight children; the couple was married for 66 wonderful years before her death in 2013; and WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Rockville Centre, Eugene J. Murray served as its Mayor from 1987 to 2007; and WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious 20-year tenure, Eugene J. Murray served with love and compassion and left many lasting legacies in the village; he established the Rockville Centre Community Fund, which supports residents in need, including seniors, single parents and victims of disasters; over the past three decades, the fund has raised more than $1.6 million; and WHEREAS, Prior to serving as mayor, Eugene J. Murray was on the village's board of trustees for three years; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unremitting commitment to his community, Eugene J. Murray was an active member of the Rockville Centre Fire Department for 72 years, serving as a chief from 1977 to 1983; he also served as president of the New York Conference of Mayors and the Nassau County Village Officials Association; and WHEREAS, The proud recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Eugene J. Murray was recognized by the Nassau County Boy Scouts Council, the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith and Guiding Light Lodge of the Masonic Order; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, he was named Businessman of the Year by the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce, Man of the Year by Molloy College, which also awarded him an honorary law doctorate, and Citizen of the Year by the Rockville Centre Kiwanis Club; and WHEREAS, A truly beloved figure in Rockville Centre, the village hall was named in his honor in recognition of his tireless dedication to the residents of the community he so ably served; and WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Mary Lou, Eugene J. Murray is predeceased by two children, Larry and Teresa; he is survived by six children, Francis (Barbara), Tom (Nora), Mary Lou, Jean (Chuck), Rosemary and Anne (Pat); a brother, Paul; and sister, Anne; as well as

26 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Eugene J. Murray leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Eugene J. Murray, the longest-serving mayor in the history of the Village of Rockville Centre, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Eugene J. Murray.