In Memoriam: Murray Mankowitz, WW II Veteran, Member of the Greatest Generation

On Wednesday, November 16, 2022, I was privileged to share some poignant remarks at the funeral of Morris (Murray) Nathan Mankowitz.

This honor was requested by his beloved nephew and my friend Gary Mankowitz, retired from the Livingston Police Department.  Gary has been an inspiration for his steadfast kindness and devotion to his Uncle Murray, especially during his uncle’s illness.

Here are some details on the life of service, dedication, and commitment to community of Murray Mankowitz, provided through the kindness of his nephew Gary.  Like his uncle, Gary is a paragon of public service, as he served his police department for 31 years before retirement.

Murray’s noble life reminds us of the noble and profound contribution each of us can make to community and country.

·         Federal firefighter for 28 years.

·         Livingston Township Police Department (Essex County, NJ) – Auxiliary armed officer for 30 years, earning the rank of lieutenant.

·         Livingston school crossing guard, and full time court officer.

Murray Mankowitz

SEPTEMBER 12, 1925 – NOVEMBER 12, 2022

The funeral service, held at the Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Home in Livingston, New Jersey was profoundly dignified.

Services included inspirational remarks from the family rabbi, friends, and loved ones.  The cantors, who selected psalms in Hebrew from the Old Testament, were particularly inspirational.

PSALM 23

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures.

“He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.

“He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows.

“Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23: 1-6

Honoring Murray Mankowitz

Along with the honor of being a pallbearer, it was my responsibility to share remarks on Murray’s service in the armed forces.

My remarks were made possible through the kindness of his nephew Gary, who also shared Murray’s military documents with me. 

It is my hope, that a moment of reflection on Murray’s service to God and country remind us to be forever grateful to the world’s greatest generation.  They truly saved civilization from tyranny and are owed our eternal gratitude.

In 1941, Morris (Murray) Nathan Mankowitz was 16-years-old, and lived in Newark, New Jersey.

Murray wrote a letter to President Roosevelt asking if he could join the US Navy during World War II.

He actually received a letter back from President Roosevelt saying he could join at 17 years old with a parent’s signature.

As soon as Murray turned 17, he told his younger brother Fred not to say anything to his father when he got home from work.  Murray was going to take his bicycle from Newark, NJ to Bradley Beach, NJ where their mother was visiting her sister, their Aunt Josephine.  

There wasn't a Garden State Parkway back then. Murray’s mother Diana Mankowitz signed the permission papers, and he joined the United States Navy.

He had many positions in the Navy, but was most proud of being in a sub-chaser crew. 

Murray received a shrapnel injury to his arm but he was not concerned about it.  He finished his 4 years active wartime duties and in 1946 was honorably discharged.

Murray then completed 12 more years in the United States Navy Reserve, and was honorably discharged from the reserves in 1956.

Murray was a member of the Livingston Veterans of Foreign Wars, Jewish War Veterans, and the American Legion. Murray was one of few left of the ‘Greatest Generation’.

Ladies and gentleman, today we honor Murray Mankowitz, a great man and dedicated American.  He will be forever remembered as a man who loved his family, friends, and community – and who was profoundly devoted to God and country. 

Murray Mankowitz: Armed Forces Ribbons Earned

·         American Campaign Ribbon

·         WW ll Victory Ribbon

·         WW ll Good Conduct Ribbon

·         American Defense Ribbon

·         Honorable Service Commission Ribbon

·         Navy Commission Ribbon

About the Author

Vincent J. Bove is a national speaker and author on issues critical to America with over 300 published works. His most recent books are “Reawakening America” and “Listen To Their Cries.”

Bove is recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, former confident of the New York Yankees, and served as spokesperson for a coalition of Virginia Tech tragedy victim’s families.

For 20 years, Vincent has been a Board Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Board Certified Crime Prevention Specialist, Certified Police Training Commission Instructor, Crime Prevention Practitioner, and USDOJ Certified Community Anti-Terrorism Instructor Trainer. 

Bove is also a licensed State of New Jersey / Division of State Police SORA Instructor, owner of Reawakening America LLC, and co-founder of Global Security Resolutions LLC, an international investigative company.

Photos

1.  Murray Mankowitz in uniform as member of the Livingston Police Department Auxiliary. (Courtesy Gary Mankowitz)

2.  United States Armed Forces, Honorable Discharge, Murray Mankowitz, Feb. 1959. (Courtesy Gary Mankowitz)

4. Murray Mankowitz with his U.S. Navy class, 1942.  He is in the 3rd row from the top, and the 11th sailor to the right. (Courtesy Gary Mankowitz)

3.  United States Navy representative presents American flag from casket of Murray Mankowitz to Gary Mankowitz, Nov. 16, 2022.  (Courtesy Reawakening America LLC, photo by Vincent J. Bove) 

4. Murray Mankowitz in his U.S. Navy uniform. (Photo Courtesy Gary Mankowitz)

Related: 

Veterans Day: Honoring Our Heroes

US Navy: Honor, Leadership, Protecting America 

Public Safety: Honoring Ethical Guardians

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