Obituary of George E. Murray, Jr.

George E. Murray, Jr. a youth and High School football coach passed away suddenly on Thursday morning, January 24, 2019.  He was 66 years old.  George was born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.  He was the son of George and Isabelle Murray.  He grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts where he lived with his grandparents and graduated from Lynn English High School where he excelled in football and found what would become a lifelong passion.

As a parent, he coached football, softball and baseball for his children. He also served as the Director for Burlington Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading for many year while his two daughters were part of the program. He coached and refereed basketball and baseball as well as served on the Board of Directors of MasterSports, a non-profit that raised college scholarship funds for High School football players by conducting coaching clinics for youth, High School and College football coaches. With his children grown, he returned to coaching high school football for St. Clement, Pope John and Methuen High Schools. He was a member of the coaching staff of the St. Clement team that went undefeated in the Catholic Central Small League in 2014, winning the Division Six North Championship. 

George’s large stature, passion for the game, knowledge, and strong values were qualities that made lasting impressions on his players both on and off the field.  While he was not against being seen in Patriot’s gear, he was truly a Giants fan.  He knew the value of sports and the positive impact on children as it taught them to work as a team, develop confidence in oneself, respect authority, value hard work, overcome obstacles and be accountable for yourself and your team.

George was a man who felt strongly about being involved in the community.  He served on the Burlington Board of Appeals for many years and served as a volunteer fire fighter and a Cambridge Auxiliary Police. He was also a Eucharistic Minister and Usher at St. Margaret’s Church in Burlington where he greeted the parishioners at services.  He was a well-known regular at the Dunkin Donuts at the corner of Cambridge St. and Winn St. in Burlington, joining friends almost every morning to have coffee and talk sports, politics, and current events.  He had retired from Tufts University where he was a member of their facilities Department for over a decade and previously worked for the Bedford Department of Public Works for over 8 years. 

No one would say that George was not an opinionated man, and he shares his views openly. He was direct and to the point and did not care if his opinions were popular, just that they were true to his own beliefs.  At the same time, he had an incredible sense of humor that could make anyone laugh. He also loved to sit and trade stories for hours, and he definitely had some great ones.

George was also deeply devoted to his family.  As a father, he was present for every game, play, competition, school activity or achievement.  He loved coaching his children and their friends, sharing his love of sports, supporting them on their achievements and missteps.  His children all have fond memories of dedicated one-on-one time with each of them and of how proud he always was of them. For countless years, there were family vacations in Kissimmee, Florida to get a break from the cold weather, enjoy unspoiled family time, and visit Disney World and Universal Studios.  He most recently treasured spending time with his only granddaughter, Raelynn who he absolutely adored. He had just returned from a visit only days before his sudden passing. 

George is survived by his loving children; Ashley Murray of Brighton & her significant other Eric Perini, Michael Murray of Beverly, and Meaghan Hodges & her husband Michael of Jessup, MD and their daughter Raelynn Hodges. He was the former husband of Erin O’Brien of Beverly. His is also survived by many friends and extended family.

A visitation will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Monday, Jan. 28 from 4-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.  The burial will be private.  Memorials in George’s name may be made to Burlington Pop Warner Football & Cheerleading, P.O. Box 1521, Burlington, MA 01803 in lieu of flowers. For directions, obituary & online guestbook see www.stmargaretburlington.org or www.sullivanfuneralhome.net