Norman Murray, 20-year Town of Hempstead worker and World War II veteran, dies

Norman Murray, a former Town of Hempstead worker of more than 20 years, a World War II veteran, and the father of Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, died on Tuesday from complications from cancer. He was 87.

Known to friends and family simply as “Norm,” Murray, who lived in Levittown, served as a Signalman in the U.S. Navy during World War II from the ages of 17 to 20. He was a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigations from 1951 to 1976.

He joined the Town of Hempstead in 1987, personally supervising the town’s self-insurance system, and serving as an assistant to the town supervisor until 2009.

Visiting will take place on Friday at Charles J. O’Shea Funeral Home on 603 Wantagh Avenue in Wantagh from 7 to 9 p.m. The funeral will be held on Saturday at 10:45 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Church in Levittown. A burial will follow at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury.

Murray attended high school in Boston, Mass., and received his bachelor’s degree from Boston College in 1950.

An involved community member, Murray was a founding member of the Levittown Red Devils Youth Football program in 1953, and a founder of Levittown’s Youth Lacrosse League Program in 1968. He served as the first president of St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church’s eighth grade grammar school board, as well as 10 years as president on the church’s parish council. "He was always about family, country and church,” said Kate Murray. “They always instilled in us that you weren't a fully realized citizen unless you are fully involved in your community."

Murray was very closely connected to Hofstra University. First serving as a timekeeper at the James M. Shuart Stadium in the 1950s, he became an announcer for the school’s football and lacrosse teams in the 1960s, a position he held for 50 years. “Norm Murray embodied Hofstra Pride,” said Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz. “His voice and his spirit will be a part of the fabric of Hofstra Athletics for all time.”

Murray is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Lorraine, sons Timothy and Terence, and daughters Maureen O’Toole, Kate and Anne. He was predeceased by two other children, Michael and Ellen Leaden.