Murray M Sonstein

Beloved "Official Hugger of the City of Burlington", Murray Sonstein, owner of the Lily Inn in Burlington City, passed away suddenly on Wednesday at the age of 80. Although small in stature Murray was one of those "larger than life" kind of gentleman. A smile and a Hug was what Murray extended and to know him was to love him. The City of Burlington Council and Mayor named him as the Official Town Hugger in 2009, and he took the job to heart. Sonstein's love for the city is part of why he and his wife, Eugenia, opened the Lily Inn on High Street 10 years ago. They were determined to attract tourists and show off all the city had to offer. The couple spent two years refurbishing the building, which was built in 1709. People said he was out of his mind, but the City was starting to come back. Murray and Eugenia attracted people from all over the world and they all loved the town. Some guest who have had the privileged to stay have included adviser to President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, an executive writer for the hit crime show "NCIS," and tourist from dozens of countries around the world. "They put Burlington on the international map." Prior to opening the Lily Inn, Sonstein and Genie lived on East Union Street since 1985. Murray was born and raised in Philadelphia, but recognized Burlington City as a prime tourist spot for its proximity to Interstate 295, Route 130 and the River Line. In part to fuel his passion for promoting the city-and at the suggestion of his mother in law- Sonstein joined the Board of Island Managers in charge of overseeing Burlington Island. He later joined the Burlington County Historical Society on High Street, the Greater Burlington Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Burlington, a non-profit dedicated to preserving and enhancing the historic downtown. Murray was active and still volunteering with many organizations and running his business at the time of his passing. He was always available to give a hug to everyone he met. Murray viewed his work as a way to give back to the city's that's always given back to him. He was quoted "I can't express how extraordinary this place is." He was Honored in November as the Citizen of the Year by the Greater Burlington Chamber of Commerce. He was deeply appreciative of the designation and enjoyed the festivities at the annual dinner, honoring his achievements. An athlete most of his life, he was a gymnast and played basketball well into his older years. Murray enjoyed sailing, his highlight being a four-month sailing trip from Miami to Los Angeles through the Panama Canal. He was also an artist and a musician. He could be heard playing on his piano at the Lily Inn for hours in the late afternoon and evening. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 28 years Eugenia (Nee: Pikus), his sons: Marc Sonstein (Anne) and Ned Sonstein (Liz) both of Philadelphia; granddaughter: Hannah; his in laws: Kathy Shaw (William), John Pikus (Frances), Marianne Dodge (Russell), his ex-wife Elane Specter, many well-loved nieces and nephews and his beloved four-legged fur babies Harold and Lucy. Sunday, December 9th, will be a time to share a hug or many, have a toast or two and share memories and stories of Murray's remarkable life. A Life Celebration and Tribute to the City of Burlington Town Hugger a.k.a Murray M. Sonstein, will be held at the Lily Inn, 214 High Street, Burlington on Sunday from 1-5pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to NJ Aid for Animals, PO Box 4, Cedar Brook, NJ 08018. Arrangements are under the direction of Page Funeral Home, 302 E. Union Street, Burlington, NJ 08016. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family from www.pagefuneralhome.com . #lifecelebrationbypage. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Murray M Sonstein please visit our Sympathy Store.

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