Obituary of George J. Murasso

George J. Murasso Jr., 87 of Willowbrook, Staten Island, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home on May 14, 2022. George was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 20, 1934 to Rose and George Murasso. As a young boy, he spent summers with his cousins on a family farm in Massachusetts. He went on to attend and graduate from Hamilton Trade School where he studied to become an Electrician. One of his first jobs was working as a Maitre’d at the infamous Ben Maksiks Town & Country Club in Brooklyn where he organized the live performances. Through the nature of his job he met and befriended well known entertainers like Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and many others. He spent the remainder of his young adulthood as a Maitre’d of the Lido Beach Club and Cabanas organizing the catered wedding affairs and other live night club style entertainment. Years later, he would get a thrill out of telling animated stories to his children and grandchildren who loved hearing them just as much. As his young children grew, George loved taking his family to the Catskills for the summer and spending winters snowmobiling in Lake George. George went onto start his career with NYC Transit System and joined IBEW Local 3 becoming one of the originators of the Local 300 Welfare Fund; his name appears as such in the original Welfare Fund book. He helped to create the very first exam with NYC DCAS for the position of Senior Superintendent of Field Electricians for the FDNY. George oversaw the five boroughs for the Fire Communications division of the New York City Fire Department where he worked until he retired in 1986. In June 1985, George received the Chief Thomas P. O’Brien Award from Mayor Koch for setting up tracking systems for the 7,900 Emergency Response Fire Alarm System boxes, and the installation of telephones throughout the five boroughs, including the bridges and expressways. George took great pride and never missed an opportunity to point out to his grandchildren all the fire alarm boxes he was responsible for. After retirement from the FDNY, he purchased Bentson Travel, where he would work for the next twenty-five years side by side with his son, Gregg. His grandchildren loved visiting him at work, as he was never too busy to show them off to his clients or teach them the ropes of the business. George turned Bentson Travel into one of the most successful travel agencies on Staten Island. George was a Brooklyn Dodger and New York Giant fan, though watching and betting on the horse races took the cake as his favorite past time. He loved to travel, particularly when it came to cruising the waters of the world. George is predeceased by his brother Alfred Murasso, his sisters Theresa Creamer and Anna Perreca. He is survived by his sister Rose Perreca. Additionally, he is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Phyllis Murasso and his three children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. They include his son and daughters: Gregg Murasso, Susan DiMarco and Debra Sacramone. His Grandchildren include: Nicole Picciolo, Allison DiMarco, Stephanie DiMarco, Christopher DiMarco, Rocco Sacramone, Anthony Sacramone, Victoria Sacramone and Emily Murasso. His Great Grandchildren Dylan and Carter Picciolo. He will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren, great-children, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Viewing will take place on May 22 at Matthews Funeral Home at 2508 Victory Blvd Staten Island from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-9 pm.The funeral will take place at 11 am on May 23rd at Blessed Sacrament Church 1091 Forest Ave, Staten Island.