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.