Daniel J. Murphy

Daniel J. Murphy, SMSGT, USAF (ret), 78, of Crystal River, FL, passed away on Wed., June 25, 2014 at his home. A native of Astoria, NY, he was born Jan. 27, 1936 to Daniel and Carmela (Bolignese) Murphy, one of four children. Mr. Murphy served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force, a military career that spanned over 40 years, including reservist time with the Air National Guard of New York. He was a lifelong accomplished musician, especially in brass instruments, which led him to his final duty station as Band Superintendent, 552nd Air Force Band, Newburgh, NY, a post from which he fully retired in 1996. He also enjoyed a second career as a retired signal foreman for the Long Island Railroad, with 27 years of service. Daniel was a Life Member of both the VFW Post# 2913, Patchogue, NY and the American Legion Post #155, Crystal River, FL; DAV Chapter Empire State #2, New York; Korean War Veterans Citrus Chapter #192 and was Past Commander of the Italian-American War Veterans Post #46 in New York. Mr. Murphy also enjoyed his experience as a private pilot and owned his own planes. He is survived by his wife Kathleen Murphy (together over 39 years), Crystal River; son Richard Pace, Greenville, NY; daughters Terry Murphy, Patchogue, NY; Kathleen Carmody (fiancé Mitchell), Selden, NY; Lorraine Peritore (husband Charlie), Coram, NY; Beanie Murphy (husband Dave), Dunnellon, FL; sisters Lorraine Lorch, Ocala, FL and Patricia Longo, Holbrook, NY and eight grandchildren. Mr. Murphy was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Pace, on May 15, 2013, and a sister Maureen Murphy. Friends will be received on Sat., June 28th from 6-8 P.M. and Sunday, June 29th from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Wilder Funeral Home, where a chapel prayer service will take place on Mon., June 30th at 12:00 Noon. Interment with military honors will follow at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL at 2:00 P.M. www.wilderfuneral.com