Murray Bass, 86, passed away on December 19, 2025 in Delray Beach, Florida, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and a life defined by creativity, dedication, and quiet achievement.
Murray was married for 41 years to Joanne Villafana Bass, with whom he built a life grounded in family and shared commitment. In addition to his wife Joanne, Murray is survived by his three sons Michael (and his husband Ed), Peter, and his youngest son Alex. He is also survived by his granddaughter Nicole Bass, his sister-in-law Judy Villafana, brother-in-law Allan Villafana, and his nephews James, Bobby, and Matthew.
A graduate of Suffolk University, Murray developed an early fascination with the toy industry. He went on to have an immensely successful career working for several industry-leading companies, where his creativity and business instincts were widely respected. Later in his career, he became the founder of his own toy business, creating beautifully designed products that reflected both his imagination and attention to detail.
Outside of his professional life, Murray pursued photography as a passion. Working with the Northern Valley Press located in Westwood, NJ, he documented local high school sporting events, graduation ceremonies, parades, town races, and other community moments—capturing memories that would long outlive the day they were taken. Photography was more than a hobby; it was another way Murray expressed how closely he observed the world around him, and it was a pastime he enjoyed for more than 40 years.
Murray will be remembered for his steadiness, his creativity, and the deep pride he took in his family. His presence was constant, his contributions meaningful, and his life well lived.
Rest In Peace Murray. You were loved very, very much.
Murray was married for 41 years to Joanne Villafana Bass, with whom he built a life grounded in family and shared commitment. In addition to his wife Joanne, Murray is survived by his three sons Michael (and his husband Ed), Peter, and his youngest son Alex. He is also survived by his granddaughter Nicole Bass, his sister-in-law Judy Villafana, brother-in-law Allan Villafana, and his nephews James, Bobby, and Matthew.
A graduate of Suffolk University, Murray developed an early fascination with the toy industry. He went on to have an immensely successful career working for several industry-leading companies, where his creativity and business instincts were widely respected. Later in his career, he became the founder of his own toy business, creating beautifully designed products that reflected both his imagination and attention to detail.
Outside of his professional life, Murray pursued photography as a passion. Working with the Northern Valley Press located in Westwood, NJ, he documented local high school sporting events, graduation ceremonies, parades, town races, and other community moments—capturing memories that would long outlive the day they were taken. Photography was more than a hobby; it was another way Murray expressed how closely he observed the world around him, and it was a pastime he enjoyed for more than 40 years.
Murray will be remembered for his steadiness, his creativity, and the deep pride he took in his family. His presence was constant, his contributions meaningful, and his life well lived.
Rest In Peace Murray. You were loved very, very much.
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