Eugene “Gene” Francis Murphy, 85, passed away in his sleep on Wednesday January 6th, 2021 in Toms River, New Jersey. Gene was born June 15, 1935 to Peter and Bridget (Bridie) Murphy in New York, New York.
After graduating from Iona College with a degree in Chemistry, he married Dorothy “Dotty” Kromer of Queens, New York on September 7, 1957. After short stays in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and West Orange, New Jersey, the young couple settled in Pequannock Township (Pompton Plains) where they lived happily for nearly 25 years, raising their four children – Gene Murphy Jr. of Oak Hill, Virginia, Linda Pace of Little Silver, New Jersey, Jim Murphy of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Patricia Woo of New Albany, Ohio. No one was prouder of their children than Gene.
Gene was incredibly active in the Pequannock community – serving on the township Planning Board, making a run for city council, leading the town’s “midget” pee wee baseball league, and demonstrating his strong Roman Catholic beliefs as a devout parishioner and leader in the Holy Spirit Catholic Church community where he also served as their representative on the town’s Ecumenical Council. In his professional life, Gene worked as a Chemical Engineer for Westinghouse, later known as Phillips, from the time of his college graduation until his retirement at the age of 58. His contributions were recognized by the award of multiple patents in the fields of both chemical and electrical engineering. Gene’s many years with this single employer included residences in Little Rock, Arkansas and Lexington, Kentucky.
Retiring to Manchester Township, New Jersey, Gene played softball well into his 70’s, was an avid golfer, and a weekly bowler into his 80’s. His love of sports was highlighted by his commitment to Iona basketball and the New York Mets. He was an active member of the Manchester Knights of Columbus and served Holy Communion on a weekly basis to those less mobile church members residing in the Leisure Knoll community.
As physically active as Gene was – Gene’s number one priority was his next meal. How he stayed thin is truly a miracle. And his favorite food? All his family and friends knew his clear favorite was candy. Gene never met a sugary treat he did not relish.
In addition to his four children, Gene is survived by his wife of 63 years Dorothy, 6 grandchildren (Chelsea, Alison, Shannon, Taylor, Brian and Jack), 1 great grandchild (Dorothy), and his sister Mary. He is pre-deceased by his parents – both of Ireland, and his brother John. A service to celebrate his life will be held later this year as socialization guidelines permit.
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