John P. Murphy

John P. Murphy, 87, of East Hartford, played his final gig on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, supported by his OG bandmates: daughter Marie Russell and her husband, Paul; son John Murphy and his wife, Kristen; and longtime, loving companion Joyce Schultz.

Born in Hartford on July 5, 1939, he was a lover of music, family, and good times shared with great friends. John was a diehard Boston Red Sox and UConn basketball fan, and a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, from which he was honorably discharged. He was an avid reader, average puzzle solver, and above-average bowler!!

Murph's family meant the world to him. He loved being together, enjoying picnics in the garage, cookouts down the beach in Old Lyme, the kids’ sporting events, plays, and dance recitals, and the annual party on Christmas Eve (family ONLY until after dinner!).

In addition to those mentioned above, he is survived by his adored grandchildren, Kristen Russell, Adam Russell and his wife, Dana Palmateer, Aidan Murphy, and Leah Murphy; cherished great-grandchildren, Lennon Furano, Mayla Furano, and Emerson Russell; and Joyce's son, Alan Schultz Jr. and his wife, Tanya, and their daughters, Savannah and Sydney; as well as extended family and a huge network of friends.

John was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Marie N. Murphy, with whom he raised their family until her death in 2004. He was also predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Florence Murphy, and his two brothers, Thomas and Richard.

Murph was a letter carrier for the USPS for 38 years, delivering plenty of jokes and stories to his co-workers in East Hartford. After his retirement, he organized a monthly breakfast with his fellow retirees, meeting at the Triple A Diner on Main Street. He enjoyed sharing good music, late-night poker games, and colorful stories with his treasured P.O. friends.

John's family would like to thank the angels who cared for him at the end of his journey: Stephanie and Mary from Hartford HealthCare, Dr. Joseph Tremaglio, and his caregivers at HHC Independence at Home.

A Celebration of Life for Murph will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 12 p.m. at the D'Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Friends and relatives may call at the funeral chapel prior to the service from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's name to Semper Fi & America's Fund, 825 College Blvd, Suite 102 PMB 609 Oceanside, CA 92057 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com