Joseph Allen Murphy

Joseph was born January 30, 1931 to Joseph and Anne Murphy, one of eight children in a loving faith filled home. They instilled a love of prayer and devotion in their children for daily rosary, love of the mass, faithful Lenten observances and a steadfast honoring of Our Blessed Mother Mary.

It was not faith alone, both he and his father had a strong instinct to help those less fortunate. Saint Vincent de Paul Society was near and dear to their hearts. His daughter recalled an incident which left a huge impact on her life when a cold and starving stranger was brought into their home to share their hospitality, although in those earlier times it was difficult feeding and clothing five children, they shared what they had. This is how children learn the very best from their parents, not by being told, but by being shown. Joe and Violet were known for their generosity.

Joe and Violet were married for 59 years with five children, Joey, Mary Ann, John, Michael and Gerard. There are seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Joseph, of course, had an affinity for Saint Joseph, his patron saint and much like Saint Joseph himself, he was humble and always thought of his wife and children before himself. In fact both he and violet put most people before themselves.

Maybe something not as well known, he was a die-hard HABS fan. After retiring from MT&T, Joe taught himself to play the organ and piano. He learned to speak French and was a computer wizard. Family time was a group crossword puzzle with an order of Swiss Chalet. In later years, Joseph enjoyed spending time with his sisters Sylvia, Colleen and Anne. They were known as the Four Musketeers and they enjoyed many family occasions together.

Joe and Violet loved the Lord, loved life and family, and they are together again.

Joe is survived by his daughter, MaryAnn (Allan) Stuart, Halifax; sons, Joey (Peggy) Porters Lake; Michael, John and Gerard of Halifax; sisters, Sylvia Fahie, Ann Reardon and Colleen Murphy Jones; 7 grandchildren, Edna Murphy (Garnett); Annette (Lorne) Hartlen; Heather Murphy; Matthew and Erin Murphy; Robert and Shawn Stuart; 4 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his wife Violet (Little); brothers, Frank, Edmund, and Arthur and sister, Eileen.

Visitation Tuesday, November 15, 2016 from 7 – 9 pm at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr. Funeral Mass 10:30am, Thursday, November 17, 2016 at Saint Benedict Parish, Halifax, Father Simon Lobo officiating. Burial in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Vincent de Paul Society, Saint Benedict Parish.