To the Family of Richard L. Murphy I express my deepest sympathy.  I met Richard in Washington, DC several years ago and we remained friends. What a lost to all of us.

Richard was passonate, creative, and knew when he had to challenge--and change--the system, all for kids.  I feel privileged to have known and worked with him during challenging times in NYC's education system.  He made a real difference for youth in the city and beyond.

I met Richard when I was 16 years old, he became my mentor and gave me a new outlook on life.  As I became older Richard stayed an active part of my life and even if we spoke but for a minute he was always starting a new youth program or helping one survive.  He cared more then anyone I have ever known.  If you look at a map of NYC and placed a peg everywhere he has helped or had influence then not much of the map would be left to see.  Richard has helped so many people, so many youth, so many New Yorkers.  I will forever love you Richard, you did your job, you did it well and not only am I better because of you. But the world is better because of you.  Farewell my friend. Its your time to relax.

The green doors opened my eyes to serving the many families of NYC...thank you Murphy for the lessons extended beyond our time.....K.

I was introduced to "The Murph" in the late 60's, while he was directing a college musical. It was a big surprise when he swerved over to social work. The whole world is a better place for his having made that decision. All of us who ever walked along his side, trying to keep up, are proud to have known him ... and his bow ties, silk suspenders, and Brooks Brothers suits.

Richard believed in children and had great instincts about them.  I feel privileged to have known him.  Suzanne Samelson (and Howie too!)  NYC, NY

I was saddened to learn today of the recent death of Richard Murphy.  We had met in the late 1980's when I started working at Edwin Gould Foundation for Children on the New York State Community Schools Project.  Richard was passionate about the imperatives to create meaningful opportunities for young people, to build creative partnerships between schools and community-based organizations, and to be persistent about acting on these imperatives.  I trusted, respected, and loved him as a colleague and a friend.  I offer prayers and condolences to his family and many, many friends.  We especially need people like him at this time, and he will be missed....Dr. Laura Pires-Hester, Riverdale, New York (2/17/13)

Richard was a founding member of the board of directors of Resources for Children with Special Needs Inc., a not for profit organization in New York City. He was instrumental in guiding Resources, he was tireless, his friendship was invaluable. He was an extraordinary and creative leader... How he will be missed...

OBITUARY

Richard Murphy

7 July, 1944 – 14 February, 2013

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