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Jeffrey Murren Obituary
MURREN
Jeffrey Griffith, passed away on July 22, 2016, after a determined and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Jeff was a 1967 graduate of Pascack Hills High School. He earned a BA in Physical Education and Health from Bethany College in West Virginia and a Master's Degree from Montclair State University. Jeff worked as a Recruiting Counselor for two years at Bethany College before launching into a teaching career spanning 4 decades and guiding thousands of students. At Fort Lee School District, Jeff taught Physical Education and Health for 40 years, retiring in 2013. A lover of all sports, Jeff mentored and coached scores of students in football, basketball, volleyball and track during his teaching career. Former students remember him as a warm, positive presence in the classroom, in the gym and on and off the field. Jeff loved to laugh and spend time with his family and friends; he was a classic Irishman.
He was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and Dallas Cowboys. An advocate for fitness and health, Jeff had an easygoing, friendly personality with an exceptional sense of humor. He was a friend to all and was loved and respected by many. Jeff was predeceased by his father, Bernard F. Murren, and is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Kathryn A. Murren, daughter Kylin A. Murren, son Ryan J. Murren, Mother Shirley Murren, brother Dwight D. Murren, sister Jo Ann S. Johnson, two nephews: Kevin and Kyle and a niece Kaitlyn.
Receiving of Friends will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2016 from 4-8 PM at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, (vpfh.com), 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016 at 11 AM at the Wyckoff Reformed Church, 580 Wyckoff Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jeffrey's memory may be made to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513.
(www.jimmyv.org)
Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Murren
22 Entries
Virginia Mosser
January 15, 2025
Jeff was always there because our names were alphabetically following one another. Throughout grade school, we were always seated near each other and we heard everything that went on in class together. So sorry to hear of his passing
Virginia Mosser
January 15, 2025
Jeff was always seated near me because our names were alphabetically next to each other so I was always near him in class. From about fourth grade on, I heard everything he had to say about what was going on in class. I have to say, it was a lot of fun.
Virginia (Ginny) Mosser
November 15, 2024
Jeff was the boy who always sat on front on me because our names were in alphabetical order Mosser Murren. He was one of the most popular and athletic students in our class. I knew him from kindergarten to 12th grade.
Howard Shapiro
July 29, 2024
Sorry to hear of your passing coach.
So happy to see that you had such a rich and fulfilling life and how loved you were.
Christine
August 15, 2016
Coach Murren was a dedicated coach and teacher. He has left a lasting impact on how I view discipline and working to achieve goals. But more than that, he was a good man. Sending his family so much love during this time.
August 5, 2016
Dear Folks,
I have been spending today thinking of Jeff and the loved ones left behind.
As I said, today was the first day I learned of my friends passing.
As usual, my sympathy to Jeff's family would never be enough. I saw Jeff recently at a reunion, and we had a lot of laughs. Time had just melted away.
We talked and laughed about a particular Baseball game, where I was pitching and he was catching. I was doing pretty good, but the other team was hitting, and getting on base. Jeff walked out to the mound and said "Bases Loaded, no outs. What do you want to do?"
Strike out the next three batters, no problem!
"Do you think you can keep a few somewhere near the strike zone?" and he snickered at my Bravado. He turned on his way back to the plate and winked. That was our relationship, always a wink or a nod, to punctuate a point.
So the next batter up was a heavy hitter. Jeff was giving me the signals, High and Outside, (he was a sucker for those,)Jeff was a reader of batters and a great man to have behind the plate.
So, I checked the bases, and everyone was behaving themselves, staying close to the base. So I threw the pitch. It was the worst ball I had ever thrown. A fastball way out of my left, the batters and Jeff's right, and as I let the ball go, Jeff had his Mask off, and he was running! I covered Home Plate, as Jeff miraculously jumped up more than a mere mortal, and snagged the wild pitch, and threw it to me. Perfect throw. Out at home. Then I threw it to the third baseman, out at third. It was like something you had never seen before. I have no idea how Jeff managed to snag that errant pitch, throw it accurately to me covering home, in enough time to throw to third base in time for another out. I still ponder this amazing play.
So the next batter up is also a hitter. Jeff walks out to the mound, and gives me a big smile.I just looked at him in awe and said,
"You saved my butt, Pal. How did you manage that?"
He laughed and said, "I know you can handle this next guy. Do you think you can keep the ball somewhere in Bergen County?"
I did my best, not only for the team, but for my Catcher, Jeff, who studied batters even at his young age.
Jeff, I will miss you always. You are one of the best men that I have had the privilege, and honor to have known.
God Bless you and your Loved ones.
-Bruce Brotherston
Bruce Brotherston
August 5, 2016
To All Friends, Family and Mourners,
Jeff and I go way back a long way to Grammar School.
We played Little League together, All Stars together, and he was one dynamite Catcher, (I was a Pitcher,) and we made a great team on the Mound to "over the Plate."
He was one of those great friends that endured in my heart and mind even today.
We did not see each other very often, but when we did, it was like, "Old Home Week!"
My sincerest condolences to all whose lives Jeff touched. I'm sorry I didn't know about Jeff's passing until today.
A message to Jeff: "Jeff, we had a great time back in the day, I just wish I had the foresight to tell you that you were a "Class Act," all the way!" That's how I will remember him always. See you soon, Jeff. I hope you brought your Catchers Mitt.
With Love and Respect,
Bruce Brotherston
John Somsky
August 4, 2016
Shocked by your loss. Jeff is a fine human being. We will keep good thoughts for the entire family.
Please accept our deepest regrets.
"Love is the reason we grieve." Queen Elizabeth II
Neil Imbimbo
July 28, 2016
Jeff a true gentleman a competitor and most important a friend to all. You will be missed by all your basketball friends especially myself. My god welcome you into his kingdom RIP friend..
Jeff Bienstock
July 27, 2016
A great guy and friend...A pleasure to play basketball with...Always a smile and a pat on the back...
Maryanne Leodori (Sutera)
July 27, 2016
My sympathies to Mr. Murren's family at this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He was an amazing teacher, who always had a smile on his face and truly cared about his students. I will always remember running the track during gym and him rooting me on to come in the top 3. I saw him at a friend's retirement a few years ago and it brought back so many fond memories. Rest in peace & watch over your loving family!
Brian Latz
July 27, 2016
I am very sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. He was a true Gentlemen and he will be sorely missed from the Wyckoff men's basketball league.
July 27, 2016
I only knew Jeff through Men's Basketball at Eisenhower but he was a very nice and humble guy. My sincere condolences to the family.
-Terry D
Gregg Clifton
July 26, 2016
Rarely in life does a person have the good fortune to have met a great friend, a great coach, and a great teacher.....I was fortunate to have found all three in one person, Jeff Murren.
Despite being overmatched in most of our BCSL American contests and trying to compete on the court in the dark confines of "The Cave" at Fort Lee High School, Jeff was always a source of support and friendship throughout my high school years and well beyond. His smile will be missed by all of us.
I think I speak for all of my former high school teammates (Lew, Len, Doug and Joe to name a few) when I say we all wish we could have one more day in the gym, "3:10, dressed and ready to go" and one more "suicide" to go along with it. Rest in peace my friend.
My love and prayers to Kathy, Kylin and Ryan, the family that he loved so much!!!
Gregg
Frank Ravella
July 26, 2016
Kathy, Kylin and Ryan
I'll always remember your dad's laugh probably because he was always laughing. He was a great man. The Shark will be missed...praying for you guys.
Love
Frank and Connie
Susan Smyth-Holton
July 26, 2016
Kiki, Kylin and Ryan
So sorry to hear of your loss. It has been heart warming to read all the wonderful tributes from his students. Having known the college athlete and not the coach it is wonderful to see that Jeff made such an impact on his students. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and feel the hugs and love from Bethany friends as well.
Nick Ravella
July 26, 2016
Kathy, Kylin and Ryan,
I will miss your Dad and will never forget the time we spent together at the beach. He will always be a big part of those memories, which are some of my best. He was a wonderful man, as you know. Please take care and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Nick and Family
Sharlene MCQuade
July 26, 2016
Kathy, Kylin and Ryan-
My prayers and thoughts are with you. Jeff was an amazing man... I will never forget all the laughter and kindness he brought to this world. I was blessed to know him and to be able to call him my friend.
Maria Varela
July 26, 2016
I knew Jeff from the hallways or when he monitored cafeteria kids. I never talked to him much but I can tell you he always had a smile and always said hello. He was just the nicest person who even though I didn't talk to him much, his passing has upset me. Jeff was a person who people don't forget.
Jim O'Dwyer
July 26, 2016
Coach,
You will be missed. Rest in Peace, Coach. Love you.
Donna Bell (Ostuni)
July 26, 2016
RIP in Coach Murren...You were the most warm and kind teacher I ever had in FLHS. You taught my children as well and they feel the same. I will hold many memories in my heart and you will be truly missed by anyone who knew you.
Joe Luppino-Esposito
July 26, 2016
Jeff will be sorely missed by all the guys who were fortunate enough to had played basketball and call Jeff a friend at the Wyckoff men's basketball program.
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