Search by Name

Search by Name

Maurice Murray

1923 - 2021

Maurice Murray obituary, 1923-2021, Greenbrae, CA

BORN

1923

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City

500 Westlake Avenue

Daly City, California

Maurice Murray Obituary

Maurice P. "Moe" Murray

Maurice P. "Moe" Murray of Greenbrae passed away peacefully on the night of January 15th from complications due to COVID-related pneumonia at Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center.
Born August 6th, 1923 to Irish immigrants John and Ann Murray in Tonopah, NV, he moved with the family to San Francisco shortly thereafter. He attended St. Paul's Grammar School and initially attended St. Ignatius High School but upgraded to the more prestigious Sacred Heart High School before graduating in 1941 (note: this version of the early biography is disputed by the Jesuits of St. Ignatius, who maintain that Moe was politely asked to leave). In his first game as a starting halfback for the Irish he helped spark them to a 10-0 victory over S.I., ending a ten year losing streak.
In February of 1942 Moe enlisted in the US Navy. He married Helen Marie Murray on April 18th of that year shortly before being deployed to the Pacific Theater to serve in Naval Intelligence. Moe and Helen went on to have two sons and remained happily married for the next 75 years, until her passing in 2017. Following the war Moe returned home and joined his brothers James and Joe in managing their father's three San Francisco bars. Moe managed Murray's Number 2, on 24th St. (now the Valley Tavern).
In September of 1956 Moe began what would be a 29-year career as a firefighter with the San Francisco Fire Department. And capitalizing on his distinguished good looks he supplemented their income as a member of the Screen Actors Guild throughout the 70s and 80s appearing as an actor, extra and model in movies, television and print.
Moe was a cheerful, charming man with a sharp mind and a wonderful spirit. He liked telling stories, was a fan of a well-made cocktail, and did not take much persuading when the room wanted a song. He was an original 49er Faithful, attending their first game in Kezar Stadium in 1946, and had season tickets for the next forty years. With his loving wife Helen, he enjoyed vacations to the Russian River, Camp Mather, boating in the Delta, several trips to Ireland, Hawaii, Italy and many cruises. In his retirement he enjoyed golfing with his Early Bird group at Peacock Gap and at San Geronimo; working as a parimutuel clerk with his son Mike at Golden Gate Fields; and spending time with the family he cherished. He and Helen hosted many pool parties at their Greenbrae home.
The family would like to thank his caregivers during these past few months and all the doctors and nurses at Kaiser Medical Center San Rafael who treated him with great dignity and affection, and with whom he flirted shamelessly.
Moe is survived by his sons Michael (Kathe) and Philip (Diane); grandchildren Jason, Matthew (Katey), and Erin; great granddaughters Shannon, April and Lindsey; and sister Nancy O'Donnell. "Unca Moe" was loved by dozens of nephews and nieces of the Murray, McLoughlin, O'Donnell and Fogarty clans. He was predeceased by his wife Helen and brothers John, James and Joseph.
A private service with immediate family will be held at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers or gifts the family asks that you consider a donation to the SF Firefighters Toy Program at 1139 Mission St., San Francisco, 94103. https://www.sffirefighterstoys.org/donate1.html
Or to Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep at 1055 Ellis St, San Francisco, 94109.
https://www.shcp.edu/giveshc/ways-give
Perhaps this evening you might sip on an old fashioned (Moe's favorite), smile and think of Moe as he entertained us so many times, singing one of his favorites, "Seven Drunken Nights." He truly was one of the greatest.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 26 to Jan. 31, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Maurice Murray

Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.

Not sure what to say?





George Garcia

February 5, 2021

In loving memory of a most wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. So sorry for your loss Michael.

Maureen Murray Fox

February 1, 2021

Moe was a chief's operator for my grandfather in the SFFD. He was always SO HANDSOME in his uniform and I can only imagine him getting acting gigs on the Streets of San Francisco and other TV shows of that era. Moe used to tell us that we were distant cousins. ;-)

Rest in Peace, "cousin". Yours was a life well-lived!

Scott Smith

January 31, 2021

This is from my parents (Tom & Gloria Smith) New Years Eve party at our house in San Bruno. 1974

January 31, 2021

Moe was a friend of my father, Tom Smith, I remember Moe well! He had a great voice! So sorry for your loss.

Reid Sheridan

January 30, 2021

Moe was a great guy. My heart goes out to the Murray family. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Bob Quinn

January 30, 2021

Dear Mike and family..My sincere condolences on the passing of your dad Moe..
A 100%er, veteran, fireman and gentlemen..

James Scott

January 30, 2021

What a great man to be with always had a smile on his face and lilt in his laughter. Rest In Peace Moe.

Kathy Fields Cendak

January 30, 2021

What a great obituary. You always knew when Moe was in the room with his infectious laugh and story telling. Moe and Helen were one of the sweetest couple. We always enjoyed their visits to Twain Harte.

Kathi and Brian O’Connor

January 30, 2021

An inspiration to us all and always a song in his heart! You will be missed Uncle Mo and always remembered!❤

Tom McVeigh

January 29, 2021

My father’s closest friend. Our condolences to his children

JVKelly

January 29, 2021

Only thing anyone can say abt Moe —

Simply the BEST

What a life RIP & cocktails in ur honor in future

Martin McVeigh

January 29, 2021

The attached photo is of Moe at a "cousins' lunch" in 2001. My father Allen McVeigh, Moe's cousin, sits beside him. That's Helen, Moe's wife, and Nancy (Fields) Jennings also in the picture. There was a lot of joy in family gatherings, and Moe played a big part.

Margaret McVeigh

January 29, 2021

He was always a friendly man.
Margaret McVeigh

Sherri Belluomini

January 28, 2021

Dear Murray Family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your dear Father. As a kid, I always remember time around he and your Mom. Keep your wonderful memories close.
Aunt Marge was my Mom's Sister.

Jane Fogarty

January 28, 2021

We miss you already Unca Moe!!! Haven’t had a funny email in days.The obit says it all. A loving, generous, charming man.
A life well lived. A lasting legacy.
To quote a part of the Irish blessing... may the Lord hold you in the hollow of his hand.

Bridget and Don Helt

January 28, 2021

A lovely tribute to a great man. Moe was a wonderful friend and neighbor, and we miss him so. Our deepest sympathy to his family.

Les Terry

January 27, 2021

Dear Murray Family,

I am truly saddened on the passing of Moe. Your obituary captured the essence of Moe, representing every nuance of the man. His wit, charm and wisdom were/are still legend. My experiences with him on and off the job were always classic with me watching out for the blue eyed twinkle that could portend a joke, a prank or a song. Helen and he were a magnificent pair, now rejoined.

Travel well Moe,

Les Terry

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
in Maurice Murray's name

Memorial Events
for Maurice Murray

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City

500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, CA 94014

How to support Maurice's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Maurice Murray's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more