Dorothy T Murphy

Dorothy “Dotty” Theresa Murphy (nee Kromer) 84, passed away Wednesday February 9, 2022 in the comfort of her home in Manchester Township, New Jersey. Dotty was born March 6, 1937 to George and Dorothy Kromer in Queens, New York.

At the young age of 20, she married Eugene “Gene” Murphy of New York, New York on September 7, 1957. They were married for 63 years until his death in January of 2021. After short stays in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and West Orange, New Jersey, the young couple settled in North Jersey - Pequannock Township (Pompton Plains) where they lived happily for nearly 25 years, raising their four children – Gene Murphy Jr. of Oak Hill, Virginia, Linda Pace of Little Silver, New Jersey, Jim Murphy of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Patricia Woo of New Albany, Ohio. Life was a circus for the young family and especially for Dotty as she faced the challenges of four newborns in just five years.

Dotty may have been diminutive in stature, but she was most certainly large in personality. Dotty made friends anywhere and everywhere. She was an extremely loyal friend – and they were forever loyal in return. As the saying goes – “you are defined by the company you keep”, and Dotty couldn’t have kept better. She was an exceptional listener, always helpful, available at the drop of a hat, engaging, and the consummate storyteller and entertainer - oh did she love to laugh. And if you ever needed an opinion – well Dotty had one and she was not in the least bit hesitant to share it. Her advice was sound, practical, and most importantly capable of being implemented by the receiver. It could be trusted – and often was.

Dotty loved her years spent in and with the Pequannock/Pompton Plains community – and often referred to it as the “best place in the world to raise a family”. She was probably right. Upon the successful college graduations of all their children, Gene’s career aspirations took the empty nesters to residences in Little Rock, Arkansas and Lexington, Kentucky. The latter also provided for life-long friendships which remain in place today. They also used this time to travel around the U.S. with friends and family.

Dotty loved to cook for her family – and all the generations relished the results. While born of German/Irish heritage, her hands-on tutelage directly from Italian friends - placed her ‘pasta and balls’ and eggplant parmesan among the very elite. There were countless hours preparing holiday and family dinners – with never a complaint. She was often heard to say in front of a table full of food, family and friends – “I don’t mind.” And she didn’t.

Upon Gene’s retirement, the couple now at 58 and 56 years of age, happily returned to New Jersey where Dotty continued to give back to the community, serving as President of the Leisure Knoll Helping Hands. She was also the self-appointed queen of “The Driveway People”, a loosely organized yet respected group of wonderful friends/neighbors who could solve world problems while sharing (and creating) local gossip.

In addition to her four children, Dotty is survived by her sister Regina Ruscillo, six grandchildren (Chelsea, Alison, Shannon, Taylor, Brian and Jack), and one great grandchild (Dorothy). In addition to her husband, she is pre-deceased by her parents and her brother George. Per her request, a small private burial service will be held for family and invited guests.

We will forever miss you Mom! As will QVC.