Eugene Murray, Rockville Centre's Longest-Serving Mayor, Dies

Eugene J. Murray, the longest-serving mayor in the history of the Village of Rockville Centre, died on Tuesday. He was 93 years old.

Murray was a beloved figure in the village. The father of the current mayor, Francis X. Murray, Gene Murray served three years on the village's Board of Trustees before he was elected mayor in 1987. He ran unopposed every election thereafter, and stepped down from his position in 2007.

Murray left many lasting legacies in the village. The most notable is the establishment of the RVC Community Fund, which gives back to residents of the village in their time of need. In addition to acting as the village's mayor, he also served as president of the New York Conference of Mayors and as president of the Nassau County Village Officials Association.

His public service didn't stop at Village Hall. Murray was a member of the Rockville Centre Fire Department for more than 60 years, and served as the department's chief from 1977 to 1983.

Because of his years of public service, the Rockville Centre Village Hall was named after him.

Though public service was his calling, Murray was also a small-business owner. He owned and operated Murray Floor Waxing Service for 40 years, and was named Businessman of the Year by the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce.

“He was, is and will always be the father of this village,” his son, Francis, told the Rockville Centre Herald, “and that was because of his dedication, his commitment and his passion as he guided Rockville Centre through good times and bad for 20 years.”

Murray was predeceased by Mary Lou, the love of his life, as well as his children Teresa and Lawrence. He is survived by his children Mary Lou, Jean, Francix, Rosemary, Anne and Thomas. He is the grandfather of 26 and the great-grandfather of 35.

Services will be held on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the St. Agnes Parish Center, with a funeral Mass set for Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Agnes Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Rockville Centre Community Fund.