Charles J. Murphy

A lifelong Staten Islander, he grew up in West Brighton at the corner of Forest and North Mada Avenues. He attended Sacred Heart School and got his first job, working the soda fountain at the Bement Pharmacy in 1941.

During his college years at Georgetown in Washington DC, he met the love of his life, his wife of 65 years, Brenda Casey Murphy (1930-2016). They settled in Great Kills following Charles’s Army service during the Korean War.

As a Second Lieutenant, he served as an Infantry Platoon Leader, earning a Combat Infantrymen’s Badge and Korean Service Medal. He also served in the Army Reserve, retiring as a Captain. The GI bill provided an opportunity for further education. He earned a law degree from Fordham and a master’s degree in labor law from NYU.

He worked as a labor relations lawyer for Hertz and US Plywood before opening his own trucking company, Cleveland General Transport, which he operated for 40 years.

After retirement he was active in the community, especially with the Cespino-Russo American Legion Post. He enjoyed world travel, golf, fishing, and bowling. With a gregarious personality and a quick wit, he made friends wherever he went. He made lasting friendships at Eltingville Y, and his home away from home, Cole’s Dockside.

He is survived by his sister, Rose McBrien, and his children George, (Julia), Frank, Steve, Madeleine and Catherine. He is also survived by six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Visitation services will be held at Casey-McCallum Rice Funeral Home, located at 30 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10308, on February 13, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at St. Clare Roman Catholic Church, St. Clare's Church, New York, NY 10308, on February 14, 2026, from 9:45 am to 10:45 am.

The committal service will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, 361 Sharrott Ave, New York, NY 10309, on February 14, 2026, from 11:30 am to 11:45 am.