Hurley was born on Buttonwood Street in the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester.
At the age of 21, Hurley was elected to represent Boston's Ward 16 in the legislature, serving from 1931 to 1935.
[2][3] When in 1934 fellow representative Paul Dever was elected Massachusetts Attorney General, Hurley became his executive secretary.
Hurley resigned as State Treasurer and Governor Dever then appointed Foster Furcolo to the office.
Hurley served as clerk of the Boston Municipal Court until he retired in 1976.