Born at Buckingham Air Force Base in Ft. Myers, Florida on January 17, 1945, John was the son of John F. and Mary Louise Murphy ( Reahard). John was preceded in death by his parents and his step-father, Donald D. Patton.
His grandparents, Everett M. and Mary Jane Sewell Reahard were pioneers in Bonita Springs, settling in the 1920’s. His father, John F. Murphy was killed in action in France during World War II. The Reahard Family donated the land on which the John F. Murphy American Legion Post 303 was built in Bonita Springs and was named in his memory.
John graduated from Naples High School in 1963, where he played on the Golden Eagle basketball team. After graduation, he went on to attend the University of South Florida. An accomplished percussionist, he entertained locally with his mother, Mary Louise and stepfather Donald Patton ( The Patton Trio). John enjoyed reading or watching all things science fiction, World War I or World War II.
John is survived by his children, Lillian Elizondo-Mobsby ( Jason) and James Patrick Murphy; his grandchildren, Jessica Murphy, Joshua Elizondo, Jeremy Elizondo, Jacob Elizondo and Tyler Murphy; his great grandchildren Jayla Murphy, Jayden Murphy, Jayvon Murphy, Jazlynn Elizondo, brother, Jerry Murphy (Kathy), nephew, Wayne Murphy, nieces, Colleen and Maureen Murphy and numerous cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Avow Hospice of Naples.
