Richard Alfred Murphy

On Thursday, August 18, 2016, Richard A. Murphy of Queens Village, NY and Oneonta, NY after 35 years as a Speech Therapist, 20 years in real estate, 28 years as a Little League youth baseball coach and 12 years in public office went to be with the Lord to occupy the room prepared for Rich. He was an active member of St Mary's Parish and thoroughly enjoyed the Oneonta area.

Rich was born on September 19, 1949 in Floral Park, NY the son of Eugene F. and Frances V. (Leahy) Murphy.

Rich came to Oneonta following graduation from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1972. He began a 35 year career in Speech Pathology for BOCES in the local schools receiving his Master's degree in 1977 from the College of St. Rose. Rich and his high school sweetheart, Pat, were married in 1973, raising two sons who graduated from Clarkson University and Siena College.

In 1980 Rich began a 20 year career in local real estate concurrent with teaching and a 2 year term with the YMCA Board of Directors. In 1987 he began a 28 year career as a Little League coach of “THE BANK”. Rich was recognized for his baseball service in 2014, at which time the minor league field was renamed Richard Murphy Field. He was a lifelong avid New York Yankees fan.

Rich began serving Town of Oneonta residents in 2001 when elected as Councilman to the Town Board. There he reduced insurance costs, began a partnership with SUNY Oneonta to develop a web site, began a scheduled sidewalk infrastructure program and improved softball and soccer fields in Fortin Park. Running unopposed for Town Board in 2005, Rich began planning for a campaign for Otsego County Representative in 2007.

Elected to County Board in 2007, Rich was re-elected in 2009 and 2011. On the Board Rich helped include Environmental Concerns to the Solid Waste Committee, secured $75,000 for the Pony Farm Bridge, served on Public Works and reduced utility costs. Additionally he served on Technology, Efficiency and the Soil and Water Committee. When he retired from County Board in 2013, he was Vice Chair and Chair of Administration Committee. Rich retired after 12 years of service to Oneonta Town residents.

Rich lived in Oneonta with his wife, Pat. He served as Chair of First Night Oneonta, and was an active member of St Mary's Church and a sounding board for those seeking office.

Rich’s whole life was involved in educating people, whether through Speech Pathology, Little League, or community representation. His final wish was to be a donor to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to give back and further research and education of Glioblastoma.

Rich is survived by his bride, Patricia D. Murphy; his sons, Brendan R. Murphy of Oneonta and Brian P. Murphy of Albany; his mother, Frances V. Leahy Murphy of Dominican Village Amityville, NY.

He is also survived by his brother, Eugene J. Murphy and his wife, Janet of North Patchogue, NY; his sister, Joan E. Mercurio and her husband, Christopher of Baldwin, NY; brothers and sisters-in-law, George and Pat, Bill, Kathy and Joe, Ken and Adria, Susan and John, Robert and Eileen, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and great nephews, and his best friends, Kermit and Vivian Weaver and John Keilly.

Rich was predeceased by his father, Eugene F. Murphy.

Friends may call on Monday, August 22, 2016 from 4 to 8 pm at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta at which time the family will be in attendance.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:15 am on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta, with Rev. David Mickiewicz pastor of St. Mary’s Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and aides who provided care for Rich during his journey. Too many to mention, too important to forget.

In lieu of flowers donations in Rich’s memory may be made to the Eugene Frances Murphy Memorial Scholarship c/o Oneonta Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 1083, Oneonta, NY 13820, the Oneonta Little League, PO Box 542, Oneonta, NY 13820, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for Brain Research, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 and St. Mary’s Church Renovation Project, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website: www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta