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Murray H. Zack passed April 6 after a three-year battle with numerous significant health issues. Murray H. (Hosea) Zack was born the third child of Harry J. Zack and Bessie R. Eisenstein on Dec. 16, 1934. He is predeceased by both of his parents and his two brothers, Mattias C. Zack and David F. Zack.

Murray grew up in the house next to the nursery business his father opened on South Main Street in 1928, and ran until his passing in 1981. Deep River was truly Murray’s home. After a time in the Navy followed by a home in Niantic, he lived the majority of his life within a quarter-mile radius of the home on Main Street. He first built a home on Sylvan Terrace, and then retired to Georgetown Woods. He was a graduate of Deep River Elementary School and part of the last graduating class of Deep River High School. He graduated from Amherst College, receiving degrees in horticulture and surveying.

Murray served in the US Navy, graduated from Hospital Corps School in 1956, became a corpsman, and then served with the US Marine Corps. He married Sandra D. Peckeroff in 1956. His son Lance M. Zack was born in 1958, and of course, raised in Deep River. Murray had a variety of occupations after leaving the military. He applied his CW skills as a welder for many years at Electric Boat Shipyard. He retired after 20 years as a pressman at Uarco Corp. Before this and after quickly deciding that retirement wasn’t for him, he also worked as a nursery man, surveyor, furniture maker, restaurant manager, and salesman.

Murray was always engaged in his community both formally and informally. He played fife and was quite active with the Deep River Drum Corps. He was a long-term member and president of the Lions, co-founder of The Neighbor’s Closet, a member of Capella Cantorum, on numerous town boards and committees, active in town politics, and a longstanding and active presence at both town meetings and the Deep River Ancient Muster. Of all of his community work, he was most proud of his many years with the Deep River Fire Department. Joining at thirteen, he was elected captain of the Junior Fire Department in 1951. He was an active member of the Department, serving in many capacities for the majority of his adult life, retiring just a few years ago.

Thus, Murray’s wish is that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to his brotherhood, The Deep River Fire Department, 57 Union St., Deep River, CT 06417.

Murray is survived by his wife Sandra, who resides in Clinton, his son Lance Zack and his wife Lisa of Albany, New Hampshire, and his granddaughter Elizabeth Hatch and her husband Adam of Hookset, New Hampshire. Please join us at a Fireman’s Graveside Service and Celebration of His Life on April 22 at 3 p.m. at the Fountain Hill Cemetery, 57 High St., Deep River. To share a memory of Murray or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.