Former Palm Beach Attorney Eugene "Gene" William Murphy, Jr., 78, died suddenly on Tuesday, September 18, 2018. Born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, he was the only son of Eugene William Murphy and Marjorie Platz Murphy, both of La Crosse. Gene was a graduate of Georgetown University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and Marquette University Law School. After graduating from law school in 1965, Gene joined the United States Army as a Judge Advocate. Following a year of service in Vietnam, he was appointed Instructor of Law at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Later, he joined the United States Army Judiciary Defense Department in Washington, DC, where he met and married his wife, Marjorie Jensen.
After practicing law briefly in Milwaukee, WI, Gene relocated to West Palm Beach, Florida in 1970, and practiced law, first at Gunster, then established his own law practice in Palm Beach in 1978. He specialized in real estate and estate planning. The firm is currently known as Murphy Reid. Gene retired practicing law in 2008, at which time he started competing in triathlons and marathons. He enjoyed competition, fitness and exercise.
Gene served as Executive Director of the Walter and Adi Blum Foundation, whose mission is to fund underserved charities and communities throughout Palm Beach County. The Blum Foundation is responsible for creating youth community parks in both Pleasant City and Belle Glade, Florida. Gene was active in many community organizations. Besides being a caring and loving husband, father, brother, and uncle, Gene was a mentor and role model to many.
Gene is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marjorie "Marge" Murphy, daughter Michelle "Mimi" Murphy, sons Shaun Erik Murphy and Derek Eugene Murphy, daughter-in-law Meghan White Murphy, and two grandchildren, Theodore “Teddy” Eugene Murphy and Kane William Murphy. He is also survived by a sister, Louise “Sue” Murphy, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Eugene William Murphy may be made to the Walter and Adi Blum Foundation, P.O. Box 33598, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420-3598. www.thewalterandadiblumfoundation.org.
