John P. Murphy Sr.

John Patrick Murphy of Danbury, died unexpectedly at home on January 13, 2016. He was the best friend and beloved husband of Mary Ellen (McGuire) Murphy, his wife of over 56 years. He was a loving father and a doting, proud grandfather. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children and grandchildren: Maura Murphy, her husband Richard Page and their sons Rory and Owen Page of Wellesley MA; Janemarie Murphy, her husband Timothy Curtin and their children Brigid and Aidan Curtin of West Hartford; Colleen Murphy, her husband Philip DeFronzo and their children Maeve, David and Mairead DeFronzo of Avon, and John Patrick Murphy, Jr., his wife Carollynne Weidler and their daughters Claire and Catherine Murphy of Wethersfield. He also leaves many nieces and nephews in New York, New Jersey and North Carolina.

John had a joyful, exuberant spirit that won him a multitude of loyal friends. He had the ability to light up a room when he entered and made every person feel as if they were the most important person in it.

A proud first generation American, John was born on November 20, 1935 to Edward and Mary Murphy in New York City. He received his education at St. Nicholas of Tolentine High School, Bronx, NY and New York University. He served his country as a member of the Army National Guard in the Fighting 69th regiment.

After beginning his work life at Union Carbide, John found his calling in sales and distribution of frozen food, starting in the early years of the industry. He began at Campbell Soup Company in its Swanson division, and he retired as District Sales Manager for Stouffer Foods for the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut tri-state area. As he advanced, his family moved with his career to central Connecticut and Massachusetts before settling in Danbury, Connecticut in 1971. After his retirement from Stouffer Foods, John went on to start his own specialty food brokerage business, Pro Marketing. Throughout his career, John was a mentor and friend to many individuals, with whom he maintained wonderful, enduring relationships for the rest of his life.

John was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was also a member and past President of the Eastern Frosted Foods Association.

As a person, John was truly larger than life. He will be missed deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His family suggests, in lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of John Patrick Murphy to the Brothers of the Christian Schools, Lincroft Development Office, P.O. Box 238, Lincroft NJ 07738-0238, Attention: Brother William.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at St. Peter Church, 115 Main Street, Danbury, with interment to follow at St. Peter Cemetery. Friends may call at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury, on Monday, January 18, 2016 from 5-8 p.m.