Joseph J.Murray Sr. 89 years of age known about town as “pop” & “Joe Irish” passed away on August 18,2025 surrounded by his loving family at his residence in Jackson, NJ. Born and raised in Jersey City, Joe always exemplified unwavering dedication to his family in everything he did. A loving father of 10, he instilled in his children a deep importance of family values ,hard work, honesty, integrity. and taught that love is not just about words , but about actions and commitment, that respect is earned not given and he always emphasized the importance of family togetherness. A very proud Irish Man , Joe was known for his white baseball cap and for always tipping everywhere he went , He was a mans man. Joe showed incredible strength and resilience in his long battle with his illness.. He never complained and always faced each challenge with determination , never letting his physical struggles diminish his spirit .He believed set backs are inevitable in life but that giving up is a choice; and he chose to fight with everything he had. Joe proudly served his country serving in the United States Air Force from 1952-1954.. He was employed as a truck driver early in life and then began a career with the Jersey City Board of Education retiring in 2012 after 25 years of service . An avid sports fan he enjoyed watching the “Fighting Irish “ of Notre Dame, the NY Yankees, and NY Giants. In his leisure Joe enjoyed the simplicities of life, spending time with family and friends, Fishing, painting ,gardening , John Wayne movies, listening and singing to the oldies.
He was predeceased by his parents James A.Murray Sr. and Rita Monahan. Siblings James Murray Jr., Thomas Murray, William King, and Barbara Cleary. Children Joseph Murray Jr., Russell Murray, Michael Murray and Michele Lynn Murray. He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years Maureen Murray (nee Desimone) . His children Marge DeSimone /Bruce , James Murray/Laura, Ralph Murray/Cheryl, Gary Murray/Marcy, Rick Murray, Cheryl Wagner/Ken. Siblings Gail Schaefer, Joan Elliot, Richard Murray.Also survived by 17 Grandchildren, 15 Great grandchildren and his niece Jenn Castellano/John .
Visitation will be held on Friday August 22,2025 from the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive Kearny, NJ from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday August 23, 2025 at 11:00 am in St. Stephens Church. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers donations maybe made to National Kidney Foundation