Remembering Vincent N. Murray

Even at its longest, life is brief. And for some it’s extra brief.  My beautiful brother, Vinny, has passed away.  I’d like to share one of my favorite speeches, The Man in the Arena, for Vin was in so many ways, the man in the arena.  I love you so much Vin, you will be so incredibly missed.

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, who’s face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best knows the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

Vin, you struggled with alcoholism addiction and were marred by it for the better part of your life.  You errored and came short again and again, but you never gave up fighting. You always looked inside yourself and in the outside world for a way to beat it. It may have defeated you in this life, but you lived your life while daring greatly in so many beautiful ways. You strived to embody the good in life; your love of nature, your love of animals (even the unlovable Max) and your love of your family and friends. You will be so greatly missed by so many.

Just hearing so many of your friends speak of the random acts of kindness you had done throughout your life fills my heart with pride and solace. You were always there for me whenever I needed a hand, as you were there for so many others.  I treasure all the moments, conversations, and laughs we shared along the way.  I will be there for Peyton in precisely the same way you would be there for my kids. I love you Vin, rest easy my dear brother. – With love, your brother Brian.

Vincent Napier Murray passed away on August 16, 2020 at the age of 36. He grew up in Brick Township and graduated from Brick Township High School. He went on to become a commercial vehicle driver and heavy equipment operator. He loved life and all its mysteries, always curious and constantly questioning. He was the son of Edward and Carol Murray. He was a beloved twin brother of James Murray, and younger brother to Meaghan McDermott and Brian Murray.

Vinny leaves behind the light of his life, his 6-year old daughter Peyton and his loving wife Danielle Murray.

“There I go, but for the Grace of God.”

And it is in the name “I” that we all share in common, that lies the great virtue of human compassion.

As tragedies go, this leaves Vin’s small family emotionally devastated and financially hurt.  He was the primary source of income for Peyton and Danielle.  Danielle had recently been laid off due to Covid and is now further burdened with having to home school Peyton due to the pandemic.

If you are in a position to give any assistance, I know my brother would be eternally grateful to you for looking out for his beautiful daughter and wife.  Vinny lived by a Tony Robbins motto of “If strangers care, then I can care about strangers.” His final act of kindness on this planet was giving a stranger a ride home that had missed his bus.  Thank you all, who have shared such beautiful stories of my brother. Vinny you will be so dearly missed.

Any money raised in his memory will be divided into two funds. One to support the immediate financial burdens of Peyton and Danielle. The other will be used to establish an Education Fund for Peyton.