Thomas Aloysius Murray Jr., 83, beloved husband of Linda Murray, died peacefully on Aug. 24 at home, with his family at his side. He lived most of his years in Branford. In his final years, he lived with his son, Thomas Murray III, and his wife, Jennifer, in Wendell, North Carolina. His daughter, Kimberly Nelson Murray, also lived close by in Wendell Falls, North Carolina. He leaves his brother, John Murray and his wife, Marion of Wethersfield, Vermont. He also leaves two cherished grandchildren, Thomas and Jonathan Murray. He was predeceased by his brother, George Murray.

Born in New Haven, June 26, 1941, he was the son of Thomas Sr. and Lillian Murray. Thomas was a 1959 graduate of Branford High School where he was a member of the undefeated state championship 1958 football team. He received his B.S. in education (SCSU), M.S. in administration (University of Bridgeport), and 6th Year Certificate in administration (SCSU).

Tom was a beloved and charismatic teacher at Branford High School, starting in 1967 and retiring in 2011. There, he served as a teacher in social studies, biology, and interdisciplinary studies, coordinator of the Senior Exhibition, and co-chair of NEASC Self Study. Thomas also mentored hundreds of teachers through his work for Yale University, Fairfield University, and SCSU student teacher programs and as a mentor and certification instructor and assessor for the State of Connecticut. He was inducted into the Branford Education Hall of Fame for his illustrious career as a dedicated educator and mentor.

While serving as a teacher at Branford High School, he was an assistant and head baseball coach, assistant football coach, and assistant track coach. He served seven years as an assistant coach for the boys’ basketball team under Stan Petela and then served as the head boys’ basketball coach with 324 wins, winning nine Housatonic League Championships.

With Tom’s contributions to coaching and athletics, he earned numerous local, state and national awards, including Branford Sports Hall of Fame, CHSCA Outstanding Coach, CHSCA Hall of Fame, CAS-CIAC Service Award, CIAC Boys’ Basketball Tournament dedication, CIAC Wall of Honor, and the National Athletic Coaches Association Distinguished Service Award.

During his tenure in and after retiring from coaching, Tom had a long career with the Connecticut High School Coaches Association. He was CHSCA president on the executive board. He also was a contributing editor of The Connecticut Coach and assistant director of the boys’ and girls’ statewide basketball tournaments.

He was very active in the Branford Community, serving as an extraordinary Eucharistic minister for St. Mary’s Church for 24 years and serving on the Parish Council. He co-founded the Branford Education Hall of Fame and was Branford’s assistant registrar of voters.

Well-known for his dry sense of humor, Tom loved rock collecting, fishing, and gardening and was a huge UConn basketball and Yankees fan. He loved spending time in Vermont with his many friends and family.

Thomas’ funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Saint Mary’s Church of St. John Bosco Parish of Branford, 731 Main Street. A burial will be at St. Agnes Cemetery, Boston Post Rd., Branford. Immediately following the funeral, there will be a reception to be announced at the Church. Friends may call Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St. Branford. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Tom’s memory to the Thomas A. Murray Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Branford Community Foundation, PO Box 492, Branford, CT 06405.

Without question, Tom was an exemplar of loyalty, love, decency, and respect. His presence in life and his impact on others was immense. The void that is left is insurmountable for those whose paths crossed with his. Above all else, he cherished his family deeply, and the boundless generosity and dedication he showed them will forever be remembered in their hearts.

Please see Tom’s online memorial @ www.wsclancy.com