Brian E. Murphy

Brian E. Murphy ditched this popsicle stand on August 11 in the early morning, without having to watch another episode of Mr. Ed on MeTV, which bored him to death. His soul is free of an Alzheimer's-wrecked body and he’s currently assumed to be gallivanting about the universe with partners in crime who preceded him in death, including his brother William Jr. and beloved Cubs announcer Harry Caray.

He was born in 1957 to Dorothy Murphy (Smith) and the late William J. Murphy. Brian attended Morgan Park High School where he met a motley-looking crew with whom he became lifelong friends. He was a Chicago Firefighter for 29 years, having retired in 2009. Brian loved telling everyone he ran into about his former occupation, not just because it often got him free stuff (like parking spots), but because he was genuinely proud of being a Chicago firefighter. He loved his Engine 5 family like brothers. On his "off-days", he variously sold fire department t-shirts, pulled parade floats, and helped neighbors with odd-jobs. As an assistant Boy Scoutmaster for Troop 617, he attended week-long summer camps, led service projects, and was facetiously dubbed "Father Murphy" because he would often bust out with the song, "Alleluijah." Brian was a community organizer and long-suffering South-Side Cubs fan, who was blessed to finally be able to see his beloved team go all the way.

Brian is survived by his wife and best friend, Carol (nee Deppe), his children Kathleen and Kevin, and "adopted son" Josh. Father-in-law to William Toms; he loved his knucklehead grandchildren, Billy and Christopher, with all his heart. His siblings include William Jr. (deceased), Madonna, Jeffrey (Virginia), Joy, Joseph (Rosemary), Timothy (Eileen) and Terrence (Diane). Brother-in-Law to Christine (Bob), Jim (Vicki) and John. Favorite uncle to Amy, Bill, Amanda, Kristin, Michael, Meghan, Sean, Jacqueline, Tom, Colleen, Dan the Man, TJ, Bubba, Juliana, Elisa, Theresa, Cara, Mike, Nick, Kristin and Rachel. He was a friend to all who met him.

Please join us for a celebration of a life well-lived and a hefting of a defiant middle finger to Alzheimer’s.

Memorial visitation, Friday, August 25, 3pm-8pm at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn. Memorial Mass, Saturday, August 26, 11am at St. Christina’s Church, 3342 W. 111th St., Chicago. Luncheon will follow. Cubs attire is strongly encouraged. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Alzheimer’s Association (Alz.org) or the Ende, Menzer, Walsh & Quinn Retirees', Widows' and Children’s Assistance Fund (WidowsAndChildren.org).

Arrangements under the direction of Blake-Lamb Funeral Home/103rd, Oak Lawn, IL.