Stanley Murray, 68, Was Journalist and Family Man

Stanley H. Murray of Greenwich, Conn., and Edgartown died peacefully Wednesday morning, August 31, at Greenwich Hospital from cancer. He was 68 years old and predeceased by his beloved wife of almost 40 years, Nancy S. Murray, on June 1, 2003.

Stan was the ultimate family man. He was as proud as proud could be of his sons and their friends and he had the perfect marriage - a result of his generous heart and unselfish nature.

Stanley and Nancy spent countless years as travel journalists focusing on the finest hotels and resorts in the world. They were syndicated by major newspapers and were the travel editors of many different publications. Stan sat on the board of the Relais & Châteaux Congress and was well respected throughout the travel industry as an expert on the world's premiere destinations. He also authored numerous books about the Caribbean and Europe.

Stan began his professional career at the Herald Tribune where he quickly rose to become the youngest circulation director in its history. Stan continued to work at Look magazine before opening his own advertising agency. In the mid 1980s Stan and Nancy began to travel and write, often with their three sons. After Nancy's death, Stan continued to write travel features and to work with their sons' business, assisting with copywriting.

Stan was always there for people - he knew everybody and everybody knew him. He always had the answers no matter what the problem. Stan was a guy who could get things done and would expect nothing in return.

Larger than life and generous to a fault, Stan had an enormous presence and gentle heart, often referring to people as "lovey pie" and "sweetheart." During his collegiate years, Stan played football and hockey and achieved honors in speed skating. He was an accomplished woodcarver, specializing in his signature hand-carved whales inspired by his love of the Vineyard.

A longtime Edgartown resident, Stan began coming to the Vineyard as a child where he stayed with his grandfather in Menemsha. It was there that Stan fell in love with the Island and its lifestyle, and he has passed this on to his three sons, three grandsons and one granddaughter. Stan was a longtime member of the Chappaquiddick Beach Club, one of his favorite spots on the Island. He could often be found out at Wasque behind the wheel of his truck with the Connecticut plates "WASQUE." There he loved to fish and watch his family enjoy the Island.

Stan and Nancy's house continually overflowed with guests from around the world. The little house in Edgartown became a destination for many friends over the years, and Stan and Nancy's open house policy and graciousness will continue for years to come.

Stan was born in Port Chester, N.Y., to Murray L. Murray and Evelyn P. Murray. Stan is an alumnus of both Port Chester High School and the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business.

Stan is survived by his three sons, Graham Murray of Stamford, Conn., and Edgartown, Shep Murray of Old Greenwich, Conn., and Edgartown and Ian Murray of Cos Cob, Conn., and Edgartown; two daughters in law, Susan Murray and Margo Murray; his sister, Arlene Klotz of Maryland; three grandsons, Cooper, Tucker and Zachary; a granddaughter Saylor Nancy, and nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please buy some coffee for the person behind you in line at Dippin' Donuts or Espresso Love and tell them it's from Stan. If you wish to make a further donation, please contact The Trustees of Reservation to learn how we can preserve the beaches Stan loved so dearly.

Interment will be private at the New Westside Cemetery in Edgartown Friday, Sept. 2. An open house celebration of life will take place on Friday, Sept. 16, at The Riverside Yacht Club in Riverside, Conn., at 4 p.m.