Alfred J. Murphy, Jr.

Alfred J. Murphy Jr., 85, of Hillsdale, NJ passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 surrounded by his family. Al was predeceased by his devoted wife of 51 years Margaret “Margie” (nee Reilly), he was a loving father of Alfred of Dover, Maryann and Danny Prendergast of Woodcliff Lake, Thomas and his wife Jane of Pleasantville, NY, Theresa Murphy and Mike Korinko of Fairlawn, and Matthew and his wife Sarah of Hillsdale. Beloved brother of Mary Hanley and James Murphy. Adoring grandfather of Noelle, Emily, Hunter, Patrick, Skylar, Reilly, Jack and Jesse. Survived by cherished nieces and nephews.

Born on March 19, 1932 in New York City to the late Alfred and Maryann “May” Murphy (nee Blessing). He grew up in the Bronx where he attended Cardinal Hayes High School, graduating in 1949. He matriculated at Seton Hall University, graduating with a BSBA in Economics and proceeded to obtain his MBA .

Al was drafted and entered the Army with his life long friend and future brother in law, Gerard Carty in July 1954. After serving time in Germany as a Radio Operator with the US Army Radio Engineers during the Korean War, Al was discharged in June of 1956 and in July he began his illustrious 37 year career in the phone industry. Al wed his sweetheart Margie that September 1st.

Al’s career at Bell Atlantic (Verizon) included lineman, Director of Management Assessment Center, Division Construction Superintendent, Director Upstate Labor Relations, Area Director of I&M , Statewide Director of I&M and then finally ending his career as Director of Labor Relations.

Al and Margie began their life together moving from New York to Cliffside Park, NJ, then finally setting down roots in Hillsdale in 1961. Once there, Al lived as both a public and community servant. He became an EMT for the Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service in 1967, his service spanning over 45 years. He served as Mayor of Hillsdale from1980-1988, serving part of that time as President of Pascack Valley Mayors Association. In 1983 he was honored as NJ Bell’s Citizen of the Year. Al also has served terms on both the local and regional school boards as recently as last year. In addition, he served multiple terms as Councilman in Hillsdale and serving as a Trustee on the Hillsdale House (HUD). Al was an active parishioner at St. John the Baptist Church, Hillsdale and devout member of the Holy Name Society. He was a member of the 50+ club. He was a member of the local Draft Board. He served as the Public Relations officer for local American Legion Post #162.

He also was brother Reginald’s favorite Dale Carnegie instructor.

Visitation will be held on Sunday and Monday, October 8 and 9 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ. A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday October 10, 2007 at 10AM at The Church of St. John the Baptist, Hillsdale, NJ. Interment to follow at St. Luke's Cemetery, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps or the Parish of St. John the Baptist.