Raymond P. Murphy

Raymond P. Murphy of New City, NY died peacefully, March 5, surrounded by family. He was 92 years old. Raymond was born in Middletown, NY to Raymond F. Murphy and Helena H. (Corry) Murphy. As a young man, Raymond enjoyed the outdoors and was a member of the Boy Scouts, eventually earning Eagle Scout. He loved playing baseball and was talented enough to go semi-pro. He attended Middletown High School, where he met his loving wife of 68 years, Marilyn (Ciancimino). After serving in the Air Force and being honorably discharged, Raymond was the Student Council president of the first graduating class of Orange County Community College and attended SUNY Albany, eventually becoming a dedicated teacher, guidance counselor and principal. During the summers when he was not in the classroom, he traveled the country with his family, towing a camping trailer, visiting national parks and serving as the family photographer. His camera snapped thousands of photos, and he single-handedly created an archive of slides documenting everything from mundane family gatherings to big vacations spanning several decades. His diligence as the family documentarian inspired a pose that has been named “the lean,” and that has been passed down among three generations. A handy tinkerer, he spent many hours in the driveway restoring classic cars, sometimes with the help of his sons. He was a member of the Rockland County District Council of the Boy Scouts of America and was responsible for approving all Eagle Scout community service projects in the county. After retiring from teaching in 1991, he became an avid golfer, playing rounds with friends around the tri-state area, eventually wintering in Vero Beach Florida, where he could play year-round. Never one to sit idle, in retirement Raymond volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, regularly attended local meetings of the New City Senior Citizens, and tended his garden filled with roses he often clipped for his grandchildren to enjoy. Raymond was an adventurous traveler, cruising the Alaskan coast, touring the great gardens and museums of Europe, and visiting Morocco. Above all else, Raymond loved spending time with his family. He never missed a graduation, sporting event, or important ceremony, usually documenting them with his camera. His grandchildren’s academic achievements were always rewarded with trips to the ice cream parlor. Though his Irish skin burned easily, nearly every summer for 20 years he went with his children and grandchildren to the beach for an annual vacation, times they all cherished. Raymond had a sharp sense of humor, even managing to get out quippy one-liners during his last hours. He was incredibly generous and kind, loved by his friends and neighbors.

Raymond is survived and missed by his loving wife of 68 years, Marilyn; their children Michael (Cathi), Kevin (Hope), Brian (Susan), Ray J (Elena); grandchildren Kerri (Dan), Devin (Roshan), Laura, Claire, Caitlyn and Erica, and his great-granddaughters Delaney and Avery, as well as his sister-in-law Josephine and many nieces and nephews.

Raymond was pre-deceased by his parents Raymond and Helena; his siblings Mary, Katherine and Leo; and his beloved grandson Patrick.

Services will be held at Higgins Funeral Home in New City, NY on March 9, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a Funeral at St. Augustine’s Church in New City, NY on March 10, at 10 a.m.