Jeffrey Lee Muraski, born on September 28, 1946, at Orange Memorial Hospital in Orange, New Jersey, passed away peacefully with his loving wife at his side on April 25, 2025, at Lyons VA Medical Center. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jeffrey graduated from Hackettstown High School, Class of 1965. Shortly after, he was drafted into the US Army on January 27, 1966, where he served with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on January 18, 1968, having been awarded the rank of Sergeant on April 22, 1967. During his service, Jeffrey received several commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.

Following his military service, Jeffrey embarked on a distinguished career with the New Jersey State Police (NJSP). He enlisted on October 18, 1969, and retired on November 1, 1994, with the rank of Detective Sergeant First Class (DSFC). His assignments included the Criminal Investigation Bureau/Auto Unit, Supervisor of the Missing Persons Unit, and Squad Leader of Applicant Background Investigations. Throughout his career, Jeffrey received numerous commendations, but he was most characteristically recognized for consistently maintaining his troop car and leather in outstanding condition, a testament to how he led his life.

Jeffrey was the lead detective in several notable investigations, including the Megan Kanka case, which ultimately led to the enactment of Megan’s Law in New Jersey over 30 years ago. He also worked in partnership with the FBI on high-profile investigations, resulting in millions of dollars of recovered property, numerous indictments, and arrests from what is believed to be the largest joint federal, state, and local law enforcement operation of its time.

Jeffrey’s life was marked by a profound commitment to service, both in the military and in law enforcement. On October 5, 2013, he was honored with the Warren County Distinguished Military Service Medal, presented by the Board of Chosen Freeholders during the County’s 11th Veteran’s Recognition Ceremony. The ceremony highlighted the bravery and dedication of veterans with the words: “They served from the dense forests of central Europe to the deserts of North Africa, from the seas of the South Pacific to Grenada and Haiti in the Caribbean, from the hills of Korea to the jungles of Vietnam to the dusty towns of Iraq. What they have in common was their bravery and their willingness to serve their Country.”

In his personal life, Jeffrey became an avid golfer upon his retirement, enjoying countless hours on the golf course. He was also a true lover of antique cars, with a particular passion for his ’57 Chevy and Corvettes. His enthusiasm for these hobbies brought him great joy and allowed him to connect with many like-minded individuals.

Jeffrey is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ruth Ann (Yawit) Muraski; his sister, Melinda DeYong; his daughter, Susan L (Muraski) Lance, married to James Lance, and their two children, Jesse Lance and Samantha Camilli; his step-daughter, Lauren Brooke (Ipekdjian) Auchter, married to Jared Brian Auchter, and their two children, Brooke Ann Auchter and Jonathan Jeffrey Auchter; and his step-son, Michael Thomas Ipekdjian, married to Mark Jeffrey Harpster. He was preceded in death by his son from his first marriage, Robert J Muraski; his brother, Darryl Muraski; his mother, Myra Ethel (Sweezy) Muraski; and his father, Joseph Leonard Muraski.

A viewing will be held on Friday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown. The formal service will take place on Saturday at 11AM at the same location, followed by a procession to Northern New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 75 North Church Road, Sparta for the grave site service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Tunnel to Towers ( T2T.org) in memory of Jeff.