Murray Burde, of Highland Park, died Friday, March 18, 2011, at Care One, Edison, NJ. He was one week away from his 92nd birthday.

Murray was born in Grodno, Poland, in 1919. He and his family survived the attacks of the Cossacks, and he immigrated to America at the age of 4. Murray lived in New York City all of his life, until he moved to Highland Park, NJ, 11 years ago.

Murray was the owner of Burde Leathercraft, Inc., in the garment district of NYC for over 50 years. He was a talented, self-taught musician, who was known for playing the harmonica and singing wherever he went. After moving to Care One 3 years ago, Murray brightened the lives of fellow residents and staff alike, by entertaining them with his harmonica. Known for his sense of humor and sharp intelligence, Murray was also known as the "scrabble maven," who almost never lost a game.

Mr. Burde was predeceased by his wife, Ruth Diamond Burde, to whom he was married for 65 devoted years, and his brother, George Burde.

He is survived by his 2 daughters: Carole Semel and husband Norman, of Edison, NJ; and Susan Eisenberg and husband Ken, of Cranford, NJ, as well as his 4 grandchildren: Lee Semel, Matthew Semel, Jennifer Eisenberg, and Glenn Eisenberg. Also surviving are his sister, Rose Oshinsky of Rockaway, NY, and Lilian Alster, of Iselin, NJ; several loving nieces and nephews; as well as his beloved caregiver, Margaret Murillo.

Funeral services will be on Monday, March 21 at 1:00 PM at the Flynn and Son/Koyen Funeral Home, 319 Amboy Ave., Metuchen, NJ 08840, followed by interment services at Mount Lebanon Cemetery, Iselin NJ. Shiva will be observed at the Semel residence from Monday until Wednesday, and at the Eisenberg residence on Thursday.

If desired, contributions may be made in Murray's memory to the charity of one's choice, or to the family for the purpose of establishing a memorial scholarship in his name.