Maurice Murray

1923 - 2021

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.