Upon hearing that Terry Murray had passed away June 17th 2017 , many of his friends and former classmate were deeply saddened and responded by sharing their memories of a man who touched our lives in many ways. This page was set up to share the memories of a man who was an inspiration to us all.
Yes, it is so sad. Terry’s youngest sister, Maureen and I, were best friends all through elementary and HS. They lived right around the corner from the Grammar School. She was at my Mom's Memorial Service. I remember all her older brothers, we were the youngest, only girls, sitting around the dinner table. I adored them all and remember Terry well. Brian knew them better since they were in his classes. I went to the University of Md. and Maureen went there for a year or so and would visit Terry at Annapolis. What a gorgeous man, inside and out. I believe they lost their father young, also a heart attack. Terry was in such good shape, I can't imagine why this would happen so young other than heredity. Truly, this is a sad day.
Bonnie Klaschka Northern Highlands Alumni
Yes, this is shocking news. It makes us all realize how fragile life can be no matter what you have accomplished during your life. Stay healthy my friends! Karen Horton Class of ’63
John, Gloria & the rest of our class,
That is very sad news. I knew the whole Murray family from kindergarten on. Terry's Dad was an Olympic speed skater, so I guess that's where Terry got some of his natural ability in sports. He not only broke many records at Don Bosco but quite a few at Annapolis. There was a player a few years ahead of him named Joe Bolino who had several running records. Terry broke all but one and didn't play most of his senior year due to injury. Terry also came up from Virginia to be the Grand Marshall in Westwood's 2000 Memorial Day parade, while I was Mayor. It was quite an honor to introduce him as a personal friend. Many of you know how often I would get beat up or harassed in grammar school. If Terry was around it ended very quickly. He truly was a man of honor & dignity. May he rest in peace and very special condolences to John, who was like a brother to Terry. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Skip Kelly MHS Class of ‘63
Sad news indeed. I knew Terry's brothers Steve and Ray quite well and I got to knowberty Terry at the the Allendale Brookside Grade school as "Steve's little brother" who although 2 to 3 years younger was frequently playing sandlot ball with us due to his athletic abilities. Although I lost track of him after his tenure at "Bosco", He became known to me again due to his stellar military career having graduated from "Naps" and choosing the "CORP". My Marine Corp cousin Tony Forlano spoke very highly of Terry and General George Kirschenbower, another Allendale Boy. Many of you may recall the key role General Murray played in Washington on 9/11. Once again he made us all proud of that "Allendale boy".
SEMPER FIDELIS (Always Faithful) Rest In Peace, Son of Liberty.
Brian Klaschka, MHS class of "60, U.S. Navy Submarine Service.
Dear Gloria and John,
Thank you for updating us. Terry was a special person, helping others his whole life. In 1st grade he took me downstairs to see a vast collection of little metal soldiers he and his brother had arrayed on a big table, a glimpse of things to come.
In 2nd grade he helped me learn to ride a bicycle to Lisack's along a scary Crescent Avenue, and later to his home (around 1955), so we could watch Spin & Marty on the Mickey Mouse Club, before heading home along Brooside in the dark. Some days we'd simply go out in the driveway, shoot hoops and play 'OUT'.
Then in 6th or 7th grade he and his brother Steve tried to teach some of us how to play football on the side yard, to little avail. Terry caught on though, went to Don Bosco then I think broke Roger Staubach's rushing record at the Naval Academy, after which he chose the Semper Fidelis career path.
By then we lost personal contract, yet we crossed paths when I went through the Philippines as a Supply Sergeant in the late 60s, while Terry was on his way to becoming a general in the Marines, in charge of a lot of our forces there.
He was always nice, in particular to his neighbor Cynthia, which I think he got from his wonderful mom, who also will be in my prayers tonight, as will his sister, brothers (Steve and Ray), along with Mr. Murray, as my friend Terry prepares to rest in our National Cemetery.
May god bless his soul, sincerely,
Bob Wehner Class of ‘63
Independent Associate – Director LegalShield
I am devastated to lose Terry. I've known him since kindergarten. He always won every race or competition in Allendale. He went to the sock hop with me at church, and we went to the Junior Prom too. He and John Lisack visited me in Virginia. Terry was an amazingly gifted person in so many ways. I am so sad that he is no longer here.
Diane Tremitiere Monagahn Class of ‘63
Gloria and John,
Thanks for sharing this news. Terry was such an accomplished person right from the start. It feels so very sad to lose him so young. My best to all,
Dottie Willson Sargent MHS Class of ‘63
Hi Friends,
What sad news. I have a story about Terry that I know I have told some but you all might enjoy. In my Florida golf league there was a guy named Terry Murray, from New Jersey, so when I met him I told him I had a friend from my high school days named Terry Murray, also from New Jersey. He said, was this guy a graduate of Annapolis? Was he some big deal in the Navy? I replied, yes! He then went on to tell me the story about being at the Jersey shore years ago and these guys kept insisting he must be THE Terry Murray of Navy fame, he said he did his best to talk them out of it but in the end he drank for free the whole night!!
Also, Terry's mother, Sophie was the secretary at Mahwah High School, I think, and all you Allendale people will know, but by high school Terry had lost his dad as I recall. Ironic that we would lose both Terry and Ginger in the same year. My best to all of you - stay healthy and happy!
Bev (Wall) VanBuren Class of ’63
I was deeply saddened by Terry's sudden death. During our childhood years, Terry was a constant presence in our home. When I reflect on the Fifties, Terry will always be a dominant figure representing that period. To this day, I still remember his childhood phone number (Davis 7-4681); I think it's become part of my DNA. Terry represented the best of everything and transformed from "Golden Boy" to "All American Hero."
Rest In Peace, Terry.
Ralph Jordan
Terry will be deeply missed. He was not only a constant presence in our home --- he was a member of our family. Although our lives took many different paths, over the years those paths crossed and brought us back together even if just for a short time: the ring dance at the Naval Academy, the rides in my red Corvette, Army/Navy football games, chance meetings in Georgetown and visits at Mom's home. We followed his distinguished career in the Marine Corps, watched him on TV and beamed with pride as each star was added. As Ralph so eloquently stated: Terry was an "All American Hero."
Terry, you were a unique one-of-a-kind and you will always have a very special part of my heart.
Gigi (Jordan Atkins)
So sorry to hear this news. From all the notes I have read, there is not much more that I can add, except that I will always remember his beautiful smile!
How lucky we all were to know him!
Blessings to his family.
Marilyn Feuerhake Smith
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Terry Murray. His family must be devastated. John, please convey my condolences to them.
When I taught at Northern Highlands I fondly remember his brother and sister, Chris and Maureen. I think that Maureen was one of my good little algebra students. I think that Mrs. Murray worked there too and was as nice as the rest of the family. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Years later when I taught in Ridgewood, Terry's brother Steve was one of my coworkers, although in a different school.
I never met Terry's brother Ray but I remember clearly that he was an Allendale super star because he was the only person that most of us knew who actually recorded a record.
I am sorry for you John having lost your life long friend.
Love, Joanne
A note from Gloria Klaschka: Joanne mentioned Ray Murray and his band the Travelers recording a record. I believe his first was a 'demo' of Darling Loraine that many remember playing on the table Juke box at Pal's dinner. However, I remained in Allendale and worked locally until 1966. After work I would go to Doc's Sweet Shop and enjoyed many conversations with Ray over French fires and cherry cokes. Ray was 'over the moon' about getting this new song to record. He was sure it would be his ticket to fame and fortune. Unfortunately another band with connections recorded the song and stole his thunder. The song? This Diamond Ring. The band? Garry Lewis and the Play Boys. The Connection? Jerry Lewis! I will never forget the day he told me. He was devastated. I moved shortly after that and never saw him after that day. I often look at my copy of "This Diamond Ring" by Ray Murray and the Travelers and remember the day a young mans hope and dreams died. When Gary Lewis and the Playboys' "This Diamond Ring" plays on the radio, I can not listen to it . I think about Ray and change the station! I do hope Ray has found another way to channel his talents and ambitions.
Terry Murray was everyone’s friend in the Allendale Public School.
I especially relate to Skip Kelley’s remark about bullying, and I recall bullying on the school playground during recess and lunch break and even during physical education. If Terry was nearby, there usually was no bullying.
While in grammar school, I remember visiting Terry’s home across the street from the grammar school, perhaps only once, and I was very interested in his collection of tin/lead soldiers. There was a war going on in his house with legions of troops. I thought then that Terry might have a future in the military, and he did.
Terry attended Don Bosco High School. During our first semester at Mahwah High School, our home football games were played on the Don Bosco football field. I was in the marching band, and I recall saying hello to Terry during one of the games. It was always good to see him. The young Terry I knew was a person of peace and good will. May he rest in peace.
Tom Mowbray
John:
Thank you for letting us know about Terry. I was heart broken to hear the news. He was truly our small town hero. He accomplished so much in his lifetime. We should be honored to know him. I was always trying to win his heart in grammar school but I think Gigi won that contest. He certainly was the best in everything he did and started early in his career of obtaining many accolades. I found news clippings and the program from our eighth grade graduation and Terry not only gave the address of welcome, he won both the American Legion Citizenship Award as well as the first (highest) scholastic award.
John, Gigi and Ralph, I hope you were able to attend Terry's service. I would have loved to be there and would especially love to be at Arlington Cemetery when he is laid to rest. I assume it would be the full military burial only a war hero deserves. We will all miss him. I will be sure to make a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project.
Merry (MHS Class of '63