John E. Murphy

With great sadness, we share the passing of Mr. John Edward Murphy, cherished and beloved husband, father, research chemist, devout Catholic, faithful friend, inventor, sailor, volunteer, Packer Fan, and later-in-life poet. John passed on July 19, 2024, in Birmingham, AL surrounded by family. He was 99 years old and is survived by his soulmate, “Schatz,” and wife of seventy-three years, Lorraine M. Murphy (nee Wirry); children Joanne Elizabeth Murphy-Ullrich of Birmingham, AL and Kevin George Murphy (Lynne Zheutlin) of Baltimore, MD; grandchildren Seth Murphy, Dana Ullrich (Dino Sarris), Megan Murphy (George Miller), Alison Murphy, and Jack Ullrich (Olivia Smith); great grandchildren Gus Sarris and soon-to-arrive baby of Megan Murphy and George Miller; nieces, nephews, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents John F. and Elizabeth F. (nee Doyle) Murphy, brothers Roger, Paul, and James Murphy, and son-in-law, David Ullrich.

John (also affectionately known as Murph or Jack) was born February 2, 1925 in Worcester, MA. He attended Classical High School and he was graduated in 1947 from The College of The Holy Cross in Worcester with a B.S. in chemistry and in 1948 with a M.S. in physical chemistry.

In 1948, John moved to Racine, Wisconsin to work as an organic chemist for S.C. Johnson and Sons. There, he met a feisty, red-headed secretary, Lorry Wirry, who became the love of his life. After a courtship facilitated by Lorry’s mother’s cherry pies, John and Lorry married on October 7, 1950, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Racine, WI. In 1956, he was recruited to work for Borg-Warner Corporation in Des Plaines, IL. John and Lorry, along with their two young children, Joanne and Kevin, moved to Skokie, IL in February 1957, where they resided for many years.

At Borg-Warner, John started as research chemist and was promoted to Manager of Research Services. He published numerous articles and books on chemical polymers and mass spectroscopy. He was a fellow of the American Institute of Chemists, Life member of the American Chemical Society and of the national scientific research honor society, Sigma Xi. John held many patents, his most notable being the first hand-held portable alcohol breathalyzer in 1972. He co-authored a book “Interactions of Man and his Environment” in 1966.

John was a dedicated volunteer, serving as president and chairman for numerous parent and scouting organizations. He was active in St. Peter’s parish in Skokie, where among other things, he was a volunteer science teacher in the grade school. He nurtured young scientists, serving for many years as a Science Fair Judge for the Chicago Public Schools. He was also a champion for advancing the careers of women in science, serving as a mentor and role model.

In his free time, John enjoyed camping with family (notably in their 1965 VW camper) and developed deep friendships with fellow Skokie campers. He loved sailing on Lake Michigan and tinkering with his boat, despite questionable navigation skills.

After retiring in 1987, John and Lorry returned to Racine, living in Windpoint near Lake Michigan from 1990 to 2016. John and Lorry moved to Home Harbor in Racine in 2016, where he organized a men’s discussion club. John continued his commitment to helping others through volunteering at many agencies helping the elderly and by being active in the Catholic Church and the Serra Club to increase vocations. He was honored as the Racine Volunteer of the Year and The Knights of Columbus Knight of the Year. The Racine Yacht Club played an important role in John’s life. He was elected Commodore for the Racine Yacht Club in 1996 and was still a member at his death. Deep and lasting friendships marked his years in Racine and Skokie.

In his later years, John authored many endearing poems. Owing to his birthday on Ground Hog’s Day, he would compose a poem to his children and grandchildren recording the sighting of his shadow and his prediction of the weather to come. In his last poem, John used the pen name “IC” – a reflection of his 99 years of age and his clever use of roman numerals. He adored and supported his children and grandchildren.

In 2023, John and Lorry moved to Birmingham, AL. He was a resident of Kirkwood by the River, participated in the Tuesday morning men’s discussion group, and made good friends with his lunch buddies. During his short time at Assisted Living at St. Martin’s in the Pines, he helped with the Residents’ library.

John’s devotion and love for his wife Lorry was unbounded. Days before he passed, John reminisced with Lorry about the first time she allowed him to hold her hand at a Valentine’s Day Dance. Lorry said yes and he never let go.

John will be interred at St. Francis Xavier Parish Columbarium in Birmingham, AL. A celebration of John’s remarkable life will follow later. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity that will benefit those in your local community or parish or that will support educational activities in the sciences in John’s memory.

The family would like to thank John’s devoted extended family in Racine, especially Marilyn Venne, Eric Johnson, and the Bertermanns for being good friends and providing support to John and Lorry for many years. The family also expresses its gratitude for the exceptional love and care that Venice Bass devoted to John and Lorry.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Chemical Society, https://search.app/9LnG8tYrhwhts9696 which is for educational programs.