Born on August 16, 1931 in the Bronx, NY, he grew up on Staten Island, NY. David joined U.S. Army and served from 1948-54. He fought with the 2nd Infantry Division 23rd Regiment in the Korean War where he sustained wounds on April 14, 1952 for which he received The Purple Heart. In addition, he received the Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze stars, parachute glider badge and combat infantry badge. He also served with the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY. He was a member of the 2nd Indianhead Division, MAB Assn, the 11th Airborne Assn, and was a life member of the DAV Brick, NJ.
After military service he moved his family to where he lived in Old Bridge, Manalapan, and retiring to Lake Ridge in Toms River in 1997. He was a parishioner of St. Mary of the Lake, Lakewood, NJ.
Dave enjoyed a long career in the construction industry for over 60 years. He retired from Henderson Corp. Somerville, NJ in 1999 where he was a project manager for many years with them.
His passion was boating and he owned many of them. He was a 30 year member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 21 Sayreville NJ from 1972-2002. He and his wife Patricia, sailed to many coastal ports over the years and enjoyed the lifestyle boating had to offer. He was also an avid fisherman along the Jersey Shore. He and Patricia also loved cruising to the Caribbean, Alaska, and New England over these many years.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Patricia A. (McCarthy) Murphy, his son James D. Murphy (Sandra Etlinger) of Port St. Lucie, FL and daughter Margaret M. Murphy (Lawrence Butala) of Galloway, NJ. He leaves behind 4 grandchildren, Nathan, Jordan, Taylor, and Lisa, as well as 2 great grandchildren, Nora and Darcy. He is also survived by the wonderful McCarthy family in Boston, MA with whom he so enjoyed being a part of all these years. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews locally and far away. He was predeceased by his first wife Marie, and two daughters, Joan and Rita.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a funeral service will be privately held for the family, however, there will be a graveside service open to the public at 11:00AM on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery, One Honey Locust Drive, Lakewood, N.J.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Research Hospital would be appreciated.
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