Barbara Ann Murphy

Barbara A. Murphy, age 70, died after a long battle with cancer on September 6th, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. Barbara is survived by her husband, Thomas J. Murphy, of Tampa; her siblings Richard Iaconetti, Robert Iaconetti, Georgia Rennick, and John Iaconetti; her children Michael (Rhonda) Murphy and Lisa (Séamus) Kennedy; her mother Josephine Iaconetti; and her grandchildren Tess Murphy, Elise Murphy, Aisling Kennedy and Joseph Kennedy. She is preceded in death by her father George Iaconetti. Barbara was born on March 31, 1946 in Brooklyn, New York to parents George Iaconetti and Josephine (Annarumma) Iaconetti. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Political Science. She began studying law at Stetson University when she suffered a recurrence of cancer. She bravely fought the cancer into remission and elected to return to a career as a paralegal to spend more time with her beloved children. Barbara was devoted to family and enjoyed the company of her extended family and especially the time with her grandchildren. She was an avid traveler, reader and movie buff. Barbara volunteered as a board member of the Morning Star school and championed education for all children. She was socially active, particularly in fitness circles. She will be remembered fondly by friends in Jazzercise and at the Northdale YMCA pool where she was an active member for many years. Barbara, also fondly known by her family as “Bunny,” will be remembered for her love, her tireless energy, and her generous spirit. Family light heartedly referred to her as the Energizer Bunny, as they struggled to keep up with her. An open visitation is scheduled on Friday, September 9th from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Blount & Curry Funeral Home at 3207 West Bearss Avenue. All are welcome to attend and celebrate a memorial service at 5:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 10th at the same location. The family would like to thank Moffitt Cancer Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital, her entire medical team, Richard and Liz Iaconetti and Pastor John Hilmer and his wife Jan Hilmer for their tireless support. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Barbara A. Murphy can be sent to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, P.O. Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178 or via internet at http://www.chop.edu/giving/foundation.