Gov. Murphy Honors Holmdel's Ed Harris In Daily Press Conference

HOLMDEL, NJ — In his daily coronavirus update Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy spoke about Holmdel resident Ed Harris, who died of COVID-19 on April 18 after a brief three-week battle with the virus.

Murphy, who lives on an estate in nearby Middletown, said his wife, Tammy, used to buy Christmas trees sold by Holmdel Farms, the family-run landscaping business that Harris owned and operated.

Murphy starts talking about Harris just before the three-minute mark; watch below.

"Ed Harris was born in Holmdel, the sixth of seven brothers, when all that was around him were farms," said Murphy. "And even as the Township changed, one thing remained constant. And that was Ed."

"He had a landscaping business, Holmdel Farms, which is well-known by many locals, including Tammy and yours truly, as the place where they pick out their Christmas trees," said the governor. "But Ed also loved sports and was an AAU basketball and baseball coach. Community ran in his blood."

Murphy said he "had the honor of speaking" to Harris' wife, Dina, and their two sons over the weekend. The family also spoke to Patch for this news article about their father's death.

"And again, Ed was just 55 years old (when he died)," said Murphy, visibly struck by Harris' young age. The fellow COVID victim who he mentioned immediately before Harris was similarly a 53-year-old New Jersey dad.

"To everyone who knew and loved Ed, I hope the memories of him help to sustain you in this trying time," said Gov. Murphy. "God bless you, pal."

Keep reading: Holmdel Family Man, Coach Dies Of Coronavirus At Age 55 (April 20)

Photos From Ed Harris Memorial Drive: More Than 300 Attend (April 27)