John Edward Murphy

John Edward Murphy, age 75, passed away in San Antonio on Monday September 11, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with melanoma, in the company of his loving wife, adoring daughter, and his son-in-law. He was born in Scranton, PA, to John and Mary Eulalia Murphy.

John earned a bachelor’s degree at St. Mary’s University and graduated from the Law School in 1972. John had a long and illustrious career at the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas. He was recognized as an outstanding trial lawyer and served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for more than 20 years, and as the U.S. Attorney from 2009 to 2011. In addition to overseeing the office’s large staff of lawyers and support personnel, he personally prosecuted a number of high-profile cases, including the prosecution and trial of Alan Blackthorne for murder under the Violence Against Women Act. He worked in private practice following his retirement in 2013.

Away from the office, John loved to entertain with his wife, cooking gourmet meals for family and friends, followed by a single malt scotch. John enjoyed many outdoor activities; he was an avid boater and water skier. He snow-skied whenever he could and played golf valiantly for many years. Nothing matched the joy John found in flooring the accelerator in all of his new cars. He and his wife Lori developed a great fondness for Hawaii, where they’d go snorkeling, whale watching, and enjoy sunsets at the beach. He had an especially soft spot for the various dogs they kept over the years. Above all, John was a wonderful and devoted father to his daughter Casey. From father-daughter camp outs, to driving around carloads of loud tween girls, and teaching her to drive a stick shift, to walking her down the aisle at her wedding, he was always proud and willing to support Casey in all of her endeavors. John was also a favorite dad to all of Casey’s friends, as evidenced by the countless evenings they spent with him and Lori on the back deck, telling stories, laughing, and listening to the classic rock.

John will be remembered for his love of family, as well as his tenacity, quick wit, and intelligence. He is survived by his wife Lori (nee Fairbank); daughter Casey Murphy and son-in-law Matthew Foster of Washington D.C.; sister Marla Donahue and brother-in-law Michael Brinck of Bethany Beach, DE.; nephew John and Beth Donahue of Washington D.C.;Katherine Donahue of Bethany Beach, D.E.; Joseph and Rozanne Klinger of Bronxville, NY; Mary Klinger of Springfield, IL; and Ryan and Nora (nee Klinger) Kelly of Springfield, IL. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Ruthann Murphy, and nephew Michael Donahue.

The family will receive friends at noon on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at Porter Loring Mortuary North. A private internment will take place in Davidsonville, Maryland, at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lakemontmemorialgardens.com for the Murphy family.