Charles J. Murray

Charles James Patrick Murray, passed away peacefully on January 30th, 2026, at the age of ninety years young. A first generation American, Charlie was born to Irish immigrants, Mary Murray, nee Joyce, of the seaside village of Carraroe, in the heart of Connemara, County Galway, and to Owen Murray, of the northern border village of Swanlinbar, in County Cavan.

Raised on the family farm in South Plainfield, New Jersey, Charlie and family relocated to Cranford, New Jersey, in the 1940's, where he attended the Saint Michael School, before graduating from Cranford High School, in 1955.

It was at Cranford High School where Charlie met his lifelong love, life's partner, and wife of seventy years, Arlene Murray, nee Sawyer. It was then they began their lifelong journey together, first in Westfield, New Jersey, then sharing time in-between the Jersey Shore, (Lavallette,) and West Palm Beach, Florida.

After serving in the United States National Guard, Charlie began his own business, Murray Bros. Dairy, with his brother Frank, delivering fresh bottled milk to customers throughout Union County, New Jersey. With the advent of plastic containers, wax paper cartons, and widespread supermarkets, the draw for bottled milk delivery soon vanished. It was then that Charlie joined United Parcel Service. Over a period of thirty years with UPS, Charlie started as a driver, then was elected shop steward, before ultimately taking on a management role as District Supervisor of Loss Prevention, for the central New Jersey region.

Upon retirement, Charlie discovered a new love of golf, and an uncanny ability to drive a golf ball some 250 yards, and straight. But more than a new found love of golf was Charlie's steadfast dedication to his family, and an insistence on putting family first, and always before himself.

Forever a family man, Charlie was a proud father of four boys, Patrick (dec.), Daniel, Charles, and James; while also considering himself a lucky father-in-law, thanks to everlasting relationships he developed with his three daughters-in-law, all of whom he considered, and treated, as if they were his own biological children. Of them are Ancilla (Fritz,) Maria (Ferraro,) and Kristi (Waterman.)

Through years of leading by example, and a perpetual selflessness, Charlie's family-first mantra has resonated with more than just his own children, but also with his grandchildren; all of whom became an integral part of his last thirty years. Charlie's grandchildren are Ryan and Andrea, Jessie, Owen and Genevieve, Michael and Maria, Alex, Nicky, Izzy, Hopper, and Ophelia.

Additional beloved friends and family of Charlie include, but not limited to, Jean Donzella, Eddie Sawyer, Dee Dee Fischer, Scottie & Elle Sawyer, the McGrath's, the Hawkins', the Muccilli's, the Ostrowsky's, and so many more.

For those that knew Charlie, he was an easy-going, lovable, kind-hearted soul, with a great smile, and an ear for listening. He saw the best in people, and for this reason he was forever a champion of the underdog; believing in every person's ability to overcome obstacles and to rise up and succeed.

A private viewing will be held for immediate family at Dooley Colonial Home in Westfield, New Jersey, on Monday, February 2nd. An open Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 2nd at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, at noon, in Westfield, New Jersey. Interment will follow and be private.

In lieu of flowers, or donations, please instead consider lending support and encouragement to someone in need of a shoulder to lean on; or a cause of your choosing.