Murray Marcus

MURRAY MITCHELL MARCUS born June 17, 1924 in New York City gallantly passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2012 in the comfort of his loved ones and in his home in Bay Heights, Miami, Florida. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Priscilla, his sons Herbert, Donald, and Alan, his grandchildren Melissa, Louis, Jennifer and Rachel, and his great-granddaughter Sydney.

Murray was the youngest of five children and at a very young age was thrust into the role of taking care of his mother and four siblings in New York City due to his father passing away when Murray was 13 years old. He operated the family newsstand while attending grade school and high school. From this he developed his tremendous skills of sales and entrepreneurship. Most importantly, it demonstrated that from a very young age he could take care of others in need, a trait he carried with him throughout his life. He served in the United States Army during World War II, including fighting in Anzio and later serving in the British Isles by supplying the troops for the invasion of Normandy. After his discharge, he rekindled his life long relationship with Priscilla and eventually married her in Miami, Florida in 1946. Priscilla was, and remained until the end, his true sweetheart and love. After deciding to remain and live in South Florida with his wife Priscilla, Murray honed his skills as a salesman in his Uncle Paul Galbut’s hardware store before entering the fashion business, first as a factory representative on the road, and later becoming a partner in Miami Casuals. At Miami Casuals Murray orchestrated the expansion the company into the local, national, Caribbean and South American markets. Later, Murray further expanded his fashion operations with several ready-to-wear manufacturing companies including Country Club Casuals, Prissy, Janet Juniors and Miss Jane. Murray’s fashion operations had several showrooms on Broadway in New York and Murray become well known and respected in the fashion industry throughout the county. Murray, during his business career, served as President of the South Florida Fashion Council, served on the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Miami Beach Elks Club.

All the while, Murray maintained his passion as a true sportsman and a multi-talented athlete throughout his life was. Although he had great skills at basketball and baseball and aspired to become a professional athlete, his dreams of attaining those goals were preempted by his family responsibilities and serving his country. However, he was able achieved legendary status as an athlete in the sport of handball. Murray is considered by his peers as one of the greatest handball champions of all time. He was known as the “Godfather of South Florida Handball.” Murray’s accomplishments and championships in the sport of handball spanning the 1950’s through the 1990’s are numerous.

While enjoying his retirement, Murray became a community activist and served for over 18 years as the President of the Bay Heights Homeowner’s Association. Murray received many honors for his community service including receiving the keys to the City of Miami. By all accounts, Murray was a throwback to a bygone era. He gave even if he didn’t receive. He was always honorable and was a true sportsman. He always made himself available to others and anyone who met or spoke to him were forever emblazoned and uplifted by his spirit and guidance. Murray’s legacy will be carried on by all those who were touched by him.

A Memorial Service was held on July 10, 2012 at Lakeside Memorial Gardens in Doral, Florida where Murray was honored as a Veteran with full Military Services. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation in Murray’s name be made to:

Paralyzed Veterans of America at [email protected]

View this Guest Book at www.miamiherald.com/obituaries and http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Murray-Marcus&lc=7083&pid=158467593&mid=5164654&locale=en_US