Obituary of Thomas J. Murray, III

Thomas J. "Tom" Murray III of Andover, NJ passed away in Newton Medical Center on June 26, 2026 after a brief illness. He was 82 years old.

Born in Newark, Thomas was the son of the late Thomas J Murray II and Loretta Murray. After growing up in Nutley, he was a longtime resident of Denville before moving to Andover.

After graduating from Nutley High School, Tom proudly enlisted in the National Guard. He attained the rank of Sergeant, and served in the Heavy Weapons Infantry. A skilled rifleman and mortar expert, he bravely served during the Newark Riots before receiving an honorable discharge in 1971. Following his military service, he enjoyed a fulfilling career with Mutual Benefit Life in Newark, later continuing with Maersk Data and IBM in Morristown. 

In the mid-1970s, Tom reluctantly agreed to go on a blind date - a decision that changed the course of his life. That date turned out to be the love of his life and soulmate, Christine. Their marriage was a beautiful example of love, partnership and unwavering devotion. Anyone who knew them could see the deep affection they shared and how perfectly they complimented one another in humor, hard work, and their dedication to family. Together they built a loving home centered around their children, and later their beloved grandchildren, who truly became the light of their lives.

Tom treasured lifetime friendships and remained close with his dear friends Al, Dom, and Bongo. Many afternoons were spent at the Whippany Diner, where conversation often stretched for hours, filled with laughter, stories and memories.

He had a lifelong passion for trains, cars, coin collecting and Yankees baseball! A proud and dedicated volunteer, Tom could often be found alongside Christine at the Denville Harvest Festival and the King of the Hill Car Show, where they probably flipped well over a million hamburgers together. He also devoted countless hours to coaching his daughter’s softball teams and his son’s soccer team. His commitment to youth sports extended beyond coaching, serving as the Head of Umpiring for Denville girls’ softball.

Known affectionately as “Tom Tom”, “Murr”, “King Sir Papa”, “The Man of a Thousand Laughs”, and so many more, Tom had a remarkable gift for making people smile. His quick wit, infectious laugh and unforgettable storytelling left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. 

While his family mourns his loss, they find comfort in knowing that Tom is once again reunited with Christine, the love of his life.

Tom was predeceased by his wife, Christine Ann (Wells) Murray and sister, Patricia Graham. He is survived by his devoted children, Megan Murray and her partner Keith Lefurge,  Kaitlin Porfido and her husband Paul, Sean Murray and his partner Collin Kessler, and cherished grandchildren, Riley and Emerson Lefurge, and Mackenzie and Michael Porfido. He is also survived by his son Thomas J. Murray IV and his family, as well as his siblings Joan Murray, Barbara Fox, and Robert Murray.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Monday, July 6th from 5-8pm at Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, 106 Main Street, Madison, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 7th at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Valley, 630 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ. (*Please meet directly at the church.*) Internment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association or to an organization that supports US veterans.