Neil Joseph Murtha

Neil J. Murtha passed away peacefully Wednesday April 12, 2023 at the age of 75. Beloved Son, Brother, Uncle and Friend. He is survived by his sister Ann Murphy (Lynn), brothers James Murtha and Patrick Murtha (Kathleen), 5 nephews, 2 nieces and 19 great nieces & nephews.

A man of great faith, he was an active member of St. Joan of Arc Parish since childhood. Neil proudly served in the Navy during the Vietnam War on several aircraft carriers including the USS Ranger and the USS Bon Homme Richard on which he became a shellback having completed the line-crossing ceremony. He had a great love of navel, military and American History and was an avid reader.

Neil parlayed his military training and additional schooling into a career in Property Management starting at NBD (Chase) Bank and continued at Jones, Lange LaSalle & Roy Jorgenson, where he made many lifelong friends. He looked forward to his annual fishing trips to Traverse City with “the boys” or getting together for lunch or outings.

Neil was a lifelong fan of the University of Michigan Football team, a season tickets holder for 50 years, and a frequent traveler to away games & bowl games. He could always be found tailgating in Ann Arbor on Saturday mornings in the fall.

He was a great traveling companion, always up for an adventure whether it was going to the movies, dinner, football or hockey games, or taking a trip to Ireland.

His training, education and life experience made Neil the go to guy for help or advise on home repairs and landscaping. He would be the first to grab his tool bag to come help solve a problem.

He was a wonderful caregiver, having taken care of his parents as their health declined, babysitting nieces & nephews, and being a friend and supporter through many life crisis. He could always be counted on to help.

Neil loved dogs - our very own dog-whisperer. He raised his own Timber from a puppy and was a loving co-parent of several dogs over the years. He helped many of us with dog training and doggy daycare.

Neil enjoyed his yard, always looking for new plants or ways to make it beautiful. He passed away looking at his yard just starting to bloom.

Services to be held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church on Wednesday April 26, 2023. Visitation with family starting at 9am, Mass at 10am with luncheon to follow in the church hall.

Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donation in memory of Neil are suggested to the Wounded Warriors Project P.O. Box 758516 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kaul-fh.com for the Murtha family.