Barbara Murphy

Born November 13, 1938 to Salvatore and Rose Marie (Capalbo) Tartaglia in Brooklyn, NY, she was a 1956 graduate of Fontbonne Hall Academy and held a B.A. in Secondary Education and Teaching from St Joseph's College and M.S. in Ed., Educational Leadership and Administration from Wagner College.

On June 25, 1966, she married Daniel J. Murphy of Staten Island at St Clare RC Church in Staten Island. They moved to Hopatcong and later Ogdensburg, NJ, where they raised three children and enjoyed 41 years together before his passing on November 21, 2007.

Barbara dedicated 42 years to the field of education (1960-2002) as Language Arts Teacher at Dover High School, Reading Specialist at Hopatcong High School, Reading Aide to the Catholic Schools at Our Lady of the Lake in Mt. Arlington under Governor Cahill; Supervisor of Reading (K-12) from 1973-1983 and Teacher of English Grades 7 and 8 from 1983 – 2002 for Sparta Public Schools. Awards and recognitions include Notable Americans in 1976, Who’s Who in Education, Who’s Who in Supervision, 1991 Governor’s Teacher Recognition, and Teacher of the Year.

She served as Building Representative for Sparta Middle School, 3-year Delegate to the National Education Convention (Florida, Chicago and LA), 3-year Delegate to the Retired NJEA Convention, and Retired Educator Delegate to the Teacher’s Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) for Sussex County. She was a member of the NJEA-R, NEA-R, SCREA, AARP, Hardyston Seniors, American Legion Auxiliary, and Senior Bowling League.

Barbara is best known for her sharp wit, theatricality, and ability to light up a room. Many a school administrator learned to expect the unexpected upon entering her classroom, as she and her class were very likely to be in costume acting out a skit or decorating the room. She enjoyed playing piano, swimming, bowling, and classic movies. Above all, she loved her family unconditionally and kept everyone connected regardless of distance. She took pride in raising boys and elicited stunned looks from her students when she would quote a Bon Jovi song or point out a Holley carburetor in a boy’s muscle car magazine. In her children, she instilled a love of family, respect for elders, value for education, appreciation for music, strong moral compass, and drive to be self-reliant and resourceful, while giving them space to choose their own paths.

She is survived by her children, Martin S. Murphy of Monmouth, ME, Christopher D. Murphy and partner, Staci Forgerson of Sandyston, NJ, and Sean P. Murphy and wife Tara (Vocatura) Murphy of Branchburg, NJ, her grandchildren, Jillian F Murphy, Zachary J Murphy, and Blaze Bell, her sister, Jo Anne Weiss of Belvidere, NJ., nieces, Lisa Demeter and husband Danny of Belvidere, NJ, Niya Tartaglia of Belvidere, NJ, her nephews, Louis Massetti and wife Debbie of Stockholm, NJ, Anthony Tartaglia of Belvidere, NJ., her great-niece Sophia Demeter of CO, and great-nephew Romin Demeter of Belvidere, NJ. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, brother Nicholas Tartaglia, sister-in-law Maryanne Christofferesen, and brother-in-law, Robert Weiss.

A visitation for Barbara will be held Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main Street, Sparta, NJ 07871. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, May 21st at 11:00 AM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery & Mausoleum, 225 Ridgedale Ave, East Hanover, NJ 07936.