Michael D. Hurley

Michael D. Hurley, age 76, passed away Friday, May 29, 2015, with his loving wife of 43 years by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. Michael was born on February 28, 1939, in Jersey City, NJ, to the late Thomas and Rose (Duffy) Hurley. He attended St. John's Parochial School and St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City, NJ. Michael was a standout athlete and football player at St. Peter's, where he played tackle on both offense and defense. He received countless athletic accolades and was named to numerous All-State first teams by various publications, including the Newark Star Ledger and the Jersey Journal. In 2010, he was inducted into the St. Peter's Prep Athletic Hall of Fame for his athletic achievements in football. After graduating from St. Peter's in 1956, Michael attended Boston College on a full athletic scholarship and played varsity football for four years. During that time, he played in the inaugural football game at Alumni Field. He graduated in 1960 with a degree in business. Following college, he served proudly as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, stationed in Quantico, VA, and Twentynine Palms, CA. He left active duty at the rank of Captain. He remained in the Marine Corps Reserve until 1970. Following his active military service, Michael began a distinguished career in international business for the American Can Company in Greenwich, CT. He rose to Director, International Sales & Marketing, with a focus on accounts in the Caribbean and West Indies. He married Lorraine Ann on November 6, 1971, and they had three daughters. In 1975, he settled with his family on South Main Street in Newtown, CT. During his 40 years in Newtown, he was elected to serve three terms on the Newtown Legislative Council, where he spearheaded several key initiatives. Michael retired in Newtown and remained active in the community and many civic organizations. Among other roles, he served as a security consultant at Danbury Hospital, was named Chairman of the Gulf War Veterans Memorial Committee, coached Pop Warner Football and was active in the Knights of Columbus and the Boston College Varsity Club. Michael was also a member of the United States Marine Corps League of Ridgefield, CT, and served for six years as the Newtown area director of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. He was active in the St. Rose of Lima parish community, where he served a Eucharistic Minister, lector and Director of Athletics for St. Rose School. Michael passed away in Colorado Springs, CO, while visiting family. He was predeceased by his parents and two of his sisters, Helen Granger and Mary Hull. Survivors include: his wife, Lorraine of Newtown, CT, his sister, Anne Trocki, of West Orange, NJ, his daughters, Maura Kuehling of Amsterdam, NY, Cara Wallen of Colorado Springs, CO and Micaela McMurrough of New York, NY, three sons- in- law, Rusty Kuehling, Benjamin Wallen, and Jason McMurrough, and his pride and joy, his eight grandchildren: Grace, Shawn & Maggie Kuehling, Alec, Jack & Sadie Wallen, Evelyn McMurrough (and baby). He also leaves numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. There will be a Memorial Mass on Saturday, June 27 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church, Newtown, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michael's name to the St. Peter's Prep Advancement Office, 144 Grand St., Jersey City, NJ 07032 or online at www.stpetersprep.org/donate.