John Murphy

Born to Eleanor (Craig) Wiler and the late Robert Murphy, Sr., John grew up in Wenonah, NJ, the second oldest of four. He was a good student and active in sports.

John left South Jersey for Philadelphia where he entered Drexel University on a baseball scholarship. He quickly traded in baseball for the rigorous chemical engineering course load, but never lost his love for the game. John graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering in 1985, and due to job availability at the time, he entered the environmental science field. This would lead to a lifelong successful career for him. John’s only daughter was born right outside of Philadelphia city limits in 1989, one of the many reasons Philly always held a special place in his heart.

John’s analytical mind, strong worth ethic, and true enjoyment of his work fostered a prosperous career as a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH). He co-owned Bradford Environmental Services, Inc. for over ten years, and proceeded to work for UNC Chapel Hill and the State of North Carolina. John would often help consult family and friends to help make their work environments and homes safe and up to code. He also used his scientific background, chemistry knowledge, and love for the experimental process creatively: by making his own beer and wine. In May, John retired early as an Industrial Hygienist from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

John was known for drinking an entire pot of coffee a day, sleeping very few hours a night, and keeping himself busy. He completed many construction and home improvement projects on the side, was an avid runner, and loved to cook— especially Asian dishes. He adored all dogs and was a tolerant cat dad for many years. John spent his adult life traveling and going on cruises, exploring wineries in the region, and frequenting North and South Carolina beaches, with special fondness for Hilton Head, South Carolina. He loved nature photography from his travels, reading a good sci-fi or mystery novel, and jamming out to various rock albums.

John will be remembered for his intelligence, love for his work, and dry humor.

He is survived by his daughter, Nicolle Murphy of Philadelphia, PA; his mother, Eleanor Wiler of Olmsted Township, OH; ex-wife, Denise Popeo of Apex, NC; his siblings: Kathleen Salvo (husband Nick) of North Ridgeville, OH; Robert Murphy (wife Beth) of Sewell, NJ; Kenneth Murphy (wife Lori) of Fort Washington, PA; his nephews: Nicolas Salvo of North Ridgeville, OH; Ryan Nickerson of Boston, MA; Owen Murphy of Fort Washington, PA; Andrew Nickerson of Boston, MA; his nieces: Victoria Salvo of Westlake, OH and Grace Murphy of Harrisonburg, VA. He is predeceased by his father Robert Murphy, Sr. of Philadelphia.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcome at: Chatham Outreach Alliance - CORA Food Pantry - 40 Camp Dr. - P.O. Box 1326 - Pittsboro, NC 27312 - www.corafoodpantry.org

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Ray Campbell for his invaluable help, support, and caretaking.

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