St. John's University Mourns the Passing of Rev. John B. Murray, C.M.

Educator and priest, Father Murray modeled Vincent’s ideals of service

Rev. John B. Murray, C.M., longstanding member of the St. John’s University community, died on August 4 in Philadelphia. He was 91 years old. The wake and funeral will be held in Philadelphia, and a memorial Mass will be celebrated on the Queens campus at a later date.

Following ordination in 1942, Father Murray began his teaching career at Niagara University, leaving to join the faculty of St. John’s in 1952. During his long and illustrious career, he founded the University’s Department of Psychology and served as its Chair for 18 consecutive years. He collaborated in the development of a nationally recognized curriculum that has served as a model for programs at other educational institutions; mentored generations of doctoral students who went on to emulate him; and provided strong, inspirational leadership for his faculty colleagues. A superb scholar and researcher, he authored nine books, and more than 70 articles. A licensed psychologist, he was a consultant to such publications as the Journal of General Psychology and Psychological Reports   and a member of the American Psychological Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Psychologists Interested in Religious Issues. In 1986, he was named Distinguished Professor. He officially retired on June 30, 2006.

St. John’s recognized his many contributions by conferring an honorary Doctor of Pedagogy on him and by presenting him with the Gold Medal, the University’s highest honor, as well as the Andrew J. Bartilucci Award. In June 2007, the University’s Board of Trustees named the new on-campus residence currently being constructed for the Vincentians the Rev. John B. Murray House.

In commenting upon his passing, Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M., President, noted that “Father Bud Murray, as he was called, brought to his work a unique perspective as a servant of the Church for more than 60 years.  As an educator and as a priest he modeled Vincent’s ideals of service brilliantly, dedicating himself to the mental health of his fellow human beings, researching new methods of treatment to alleviate the suffering he encountered, or simply providing an attentive, compassionate ear for those who needed it. Our University is stronger, richer, better for all that he has brought to it and done for it.”