John G. "Jack" Murray

John G. "Jack" Murray, Jr., Ed.D., 85, a longtime resident of Rockland, died peacefully at home on Monday, February 13, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Patricia A. (Goodrich) Murray for 57 years. Son of the late John G. and Helen J. (Crimlisk) Murray, he was born and raised in Brighton. Jack was a graduate of B.C. High School, Class of 1949 and entered The Oblates of Mary Immaculate Seminary in Newburgh, NY before graduating from Boston College, Class of 1956. He then earned his Master's Degree in Education from Cardinal Stritch University and his Doctorate in Education from Boston University. Jack was a Private 1st Class in the U.S. Army and a Veteran of the Vietnam Era. He resided in Hyde Park for 16 years before living in Stoughton for 19 years. He was a resident of Rockland for the past 20 years.

Dr. Murray worked in the Stoughton Public Schools for 32 years, serving as the Superintendent of Schools for his last 14 years until his retirement in 1992. He was a member and Past President of both the South Shore Superintendents Association and the Harvard Superintendents Round Table. He dedicated his life to teaching and learning and he loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed painting and writing but his greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially at White Horse Beach in Manomet.

In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by his children, Katherine B. Schwinden and her husband Michael of Rockport, Christine T. Canning and her husband Paul of North Attleboro, John G. Murray, III and his wife Jane of Norton, Steven E. Murray and his wife Anne of East Northport, NY and Leeann P. LeClaire and her husband Thomas of Norton. He was the grandfather of Ted, Caitlin, Aidan, Bridgit, Fiona, Megan, Thomas, Kevin, Jack, Hope, Katrina and Brian. He was the brother of Joan Lavelle of Brockton and the late Eleanor Engel, Sister Mary Phyllis Murray and Edward Murray. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral will be held from the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St., (Rt. 27) Stoughton on Thursday, February 16 at 9:15 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at Holy Family Church, Rockland at 11 AM. Visiting Hours Wednesday from 3-7 PM. Interment will take place at Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton. Donations in Jack's memory may be made to the Rockland Memorial Library, 20 Belmont St., Rockland, MA 02370.