Born and raised in Brooklyn, he graduated from Xaverian High School in his native borough.
Mr. Murphy served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany. He attained the rank of SPC 4.
He settled in Eltingville in 1976.
Mr. Murphy worked as a technician for Verizon in Brooklyn and on the Island for 40 years. He retired in 2008.
He was interested in military history and especially enjoyed reading about World War II.
Mr. Murphy adored his grandchildren and spending time with them was his favorite activity.
He was a parishioner of St. Clare's R.C. Church, Great Kills.
Surviving are his wife of 39 years, Leona; his son, Keith; his daughter, Jaime Furst; his brother, William, and five grandchildren.
The funeral will be Thursday from the Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home, Great Kills, with a mass at 12:15 p.m. in St. Clare's Church. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Pleasant Plains.
