Murray E. Bass

My dad used kindness, love, and humor as a weapon throughout his life. He loved everyone and everything deeply and equally. Even if it was his garden, or the members at the BGCB. He wanted to make sure that there was always progress showing, and appreciation in between. My dad protected me from the harms of the world the best he could, and he was always there to reassure me if something went wrong, he was and always will be my only dad and I will forever miss and love him. 

Murray Elvin Bass, affectionately known as TWINN 1, fulfilled his earthly duties on April 24, 2023.

Murray was born on July 20, 1958, in Boston, MA to Eloise Murray Bass and Walter Joe Bass. Murray, his siblings, and mother moved to Atlantic City, NJ when he was three years old. He grew up with many cousins from both the Bass and Murray families, who were raised more like siblings. Keith Mills – a lifelong friend– also grew up alongside Murray, his siblings, and cousins. His large family included his maternal grandparents, Shermon and Mahalia Murray, as well as his aunts and uncles. Murray attended Atlantic City Public Schools through the 11th grade then moved with his family to the neighboring city of Pleasantville, where he attended and subsequently graduated from Pleasantville High School in 1976.

Murray received culinary training and was employed as a baker for several years at The Smithville Inn Restaurant in Absecon, NJ. He worked as a Data Entry Clerk at both the Jobs Training Partnership Acts Program (JTPA) from 1981-84 and at Atlantic National Bank (West Atlantic City, NJ), beginning in 1984. After returning to Boston, Murray began his career in corporate America. Soon after, he shifted his focus to teaching youth computer skills at the Upham's Corner Community Center, under the tutelage of Mary Gunn.

In 1999 Murray joined the Yawkey Boys & Girls Club as Technology Director, determined to close the digital divide by imparting his knowledge of technology and design to future generations. "Mr. Murray", as he was known to many, was the leader in launching the Computer Clubhouses across the entire Boys & Girls Club of Boston organization. 

Murray embraced drones, robotics, and introducing girls to technology and coding, establishing partnerships with Girls Who Code and Northeastern University. In fact, Murray created the robotics competition and showcase at the Yawkey club, which has since evolved into a citywide event held at Northeastern University. He was also instrumental in leading the Yawkey club's technology summit and Boys & Girls Club of America's CyberSummit, with Best Buy and Geek Squad for 18 years. From day one and for almost 24 years, Murray's leadership was instrumental in keeping the Technology Department progressive and modern. His department quickly became the gold standard for all Boys & Girls Clubs in Boston.

Murray had several passions though none was more important to him than his beloved, only child Taylor Ariel Adams-Bass. He and her mother, Donna, shared co-parenting duties. Taylor was truly the light of his life, and they cherished their time together. He was the ultimate “Girl Dad” and she is a “Daddy's Girl”. Many friends and family received his annual Christmas cards which always featured a picture of Taylor or both of them. 

He loved listening to music, he loved plants, and enjoyed gardening from time to time. Murray was also an avid sports fan, but the Philadelphia Eagles held a special place in his heart. #FlyEaglesFly 

Murray was predeceased by his parents, Eloise Murray Bass Hall and Joe Bass. His daughter Taylor, twin sister Marla (TWINN 2), brother Rickee, brother-in-law John, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and co-workers are left to cherish many beautiful memories of his fruitful life.

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