Norman Elliott Murphy died peacefully on Monday, December 1, 2014, surrounded by his family. He was an adored husband, father, grandfather and friend. He had great charm, a superior mind and a legendary wit. He was spirited, generous and loved life. Above all he was devoted to his family. Norman was born on January 31, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan and was the fourth of six children born to Joseph and Celeste Murphy. He attended the University of Detroit, the Detroit College of Law and the University of Vienna.
At the age of 25 he founded his own real estate development and investment company which has flourished for over 50 years. In 1971 he moved his family to Palm Beach. Norman was a member of the Everglades Club, the Bath and Tennis Club, The Beach Club, the Detroit Athletic Club and the Harbor Club, Seal Harbor Maine. He served as a Director of the Palm Beach Community Foundation, a Trustee of the United States Supreme Court Historical Society and was a Trustee of Canterbury School.
He was a remarkable photographer producing volumes of photographs dating back to his first trip to Austria in 1958. He spent summers on the beautiful rugged coast of Maine. He loved swimming, hiking, boating and sailing. He will be remembered for his good humor, grace and positive outlook in the face of a debilitating neurological disease. He inspired his friends and family with his extraordinary display of courage and unending determination.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sarah Inman Murphy; five loving children, Elizabeth Ashley Murphy, Norman Elliot Murphy Jr., Mark Marantette Murphy, Christina Murphy Pisa, John Alexander Murphy and their spouses and children.
Services will be held at St. Edwards Church, Palm Beach on Friday, December 5th at 11:00 a.m.
The family wishes to thank Norman's incredibly caring and devoted nurses Bernadette Cunningham, Nancy Roach, Drew Lee and Amy Collins as well as Dr. Alexander Carden.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Myositis Association or a charity of your choice.
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