Obituary of John J. Murray

John J. "Duke" Murray, 94, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home, 2122 Millburn Avenue, Maplewood, New Jersey. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. Stephen's Cemetery in Millburn.

Born on January 1, 1932, in Newark, New Jersey, John was raised there before answering his country's call to service. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951 during the Korean War and was stationed in France. While John was serving overseas, his parents relocated to Short Hills. Following his honorable discharge in 1954, he returned home, where a conversation with the neighbor next door—who would later become his father-in-law—would shape the rest of his remarkable career. Offered a part-time position in the Millburn Tax Assessor's Office, John accepted, beginning a profession that would span an extraordinary 70 years.

John married his neighbor's daughter, Barbara Trowbridge, and together they built a life centered on family, service, and community. He served as the Tax Assessor for the Township of Millburn for 40 years before retiring in 1993. His expertise and dedication continued well beyond retirement as he served as the part-time Tax Assessor for Long Hill Township and later as a consultant and part-time Tax Assessor for Florham Park from 1994 until his final retirement in 2024 at the remarkable age of 92. Throughout his career, John also operated a successful residential appraisal company.

A respected leader in his profession, John was deeply involved in several organizations. He served as President of the New Jersey Assessors Association, President of the Essex County Assessors Association, and was a longtime member of the Legislative Committee of the State Assessors Association. His commitment to public service and the assessment profession earned him the admiration and respect of colleagues throughout New Jersey.

John's dedication extended beyond his professional life. He was an active member of the Millburn Historical Society and volunteered on the Millburn Farmers Market Committee, the Snowflake Committee, and the committee for Millburn's 150th Anniversary Parade. He took great pride in giving back to the community he loved.

When he wasn't working or volunteering, John enjoyed traveling the world with Barbara. Together they explored Ireland, England, Europe, Canada, Alaska, and countless destinations throughout the United States. At home, he found joy in woodworking, reading, cheering on the New York Yankees and New York Giants, and, above all else, spending treasured time with his two grandsons.

John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Barbara Murray; his parents, John and Elizabeth Murray; his son, Robert Murray; his brothers, Eugene and James Murray; and his sister, Mary Wirth.

He is lovingly survived by his daughter, Debra Ripoli and her partner, Michael Scriffiano; his grandsons, Justin Murray and Chris Murray (Kristine Nagle); his nephew, Ken Wirth and Eric Murray; his nieces, Patty Arsi, Lori Kiwor, and Joanne Gutierrez; along with many extended family members, friends, and colleagues who will cherish his memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation 2361 Hyland Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306, (t2t.org) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905 (stjude.org) in John's memory.