John E. Murray Jr., described by those who knew him as a passionate educator and a nationally recognized authority in legal thought, died of a heart attack Wednesday at age 82.

Murray devoted his life to education, having served as the president of Duquesne University and the dean of the law schools of the University of Pittsburgh and Villanova University, as well as quite literally writing the book on contract law.

Duquesne University School of Law Dean Ken Gormley said Murray was instrumental in bringing Duquesne out of a low point in the school's history.