Michael Leo Murphy

Michael was born in Beverly, MA in January of 1953. He moved several times with his family growing up as his father was in construction management. When the family moved on from PA, Michael remained to continue his education at Point Park University in Pittsburgh where he attained a B.A. in Photography, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He also attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where he further refined and pursued his passion - Photography.

Michael worked as an independent professional photographer for many years in Pittsburgh and after moving to Florida he managed his own business consulting for corporations and non-profits for ten years.

Michael joined Recycling Task Force, Inc in Tampa as their Executive Director and passionately pursued recycling efforts across the state and nationally, becoming a speaker at national conferences on this topic.

In 2004, Michael became the Director of Liturgy for Christ the King Catholic Church in Tampa, a position he held for four years which brought him great personal joy. He enjoyed working with the many families, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Alter Servers, Sacristans and hundreds of volunteers at Christ the King. Michael was loved by so many and could feel the strength and energy of the good wishes, prayers and thoughts sent his way as he struggled to recover from lung cancer and then a brain tumor. Michael was a Lector for nine years and a Eucharistic Minister for six years and served as Vice President of the parish council for three years.

Michael's greatest personal achievement, beyond having a beautiful daughter and loving son, was when he was graduated by St. Leo's University with a Master of Arts in Theology in 2007.

Michael was active in the Boy Scouts of America and as an Eagle Scout served on the National Catholic Committee on Scouting as well as the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting for Boys and for Girls. Michael received numerous awards and recognitions for his work in the Arts, Scouting, and Recycling.

Michael is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Alexis and Dan Green of Pittsburgh; his son, Austin Murphy of Tampa, and his life partner and dearest love, Linda Rounsaville of Tampa. He is also survived by his mother, Doris Murphy; his brothers, Peter and Joseph Murphy and his sister, Rosemary Turner, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, March 26, 2012, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609, ph. (813) 876-5841. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, March 26, 2012, from 2pm-4pm at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, FL 33614, ph. (813) 931-1833.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael’s honor to LifePath Hospice, (813) 871-8111, or Christ the King Catholic Church, (813) 876-5841.

Condolences may be shared at www.gonzalezfuneral.com. Arrangements entrusted to Gonzalez Funeral Home.