Msgr. Joseph P. Murphy

Pastor Emeritus of St Clare RC Church, Msgr. Joseph P Murphy, 91 went peacefully home to the Lord on May 16, 2020, just days after the 66th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. He battled and defeated Covid-19 but struggled to regain his strength following the illness.

He was born in Manhattan on February 21, 1929. He was the oldest of four sons. He grew up in New York and attended high school at Power Memorial Academy. He heard his calling to the priesthood at a very early age. He attended St Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoodie, NY and was ordained on May 14, 1954. Cardinal Francis Spellman officiated the ordination. He earned his JCD in canon law from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

He served St Patrick’s Church in Yorktown Heights, NY in the summers of 1954 to 1956. He served as parochial vicar of St. Joseph’s Church in Croton Falls, NY from 1957 to 1959 and St Thomas Moore Church in Manhattan from 1959 to 1960.

Msgr. served as the Vice Chancellor of the Archdiocese of New York from 1960 to 1971 and as the Chancellor from 1971 to 1984. He served in those positions for Cardinals Terence Cook and John O’Connor.

Msgr. became pastor of St Clare RC Church on Staten Island in 1985. The parish is the largest congregation in the Archdiocese of New York. He retired from that position in 2008. He was beloved by parishioners, many who continued to support and visit him at his retirement home in Riverdale, NY. His tenure as the head of the parish is marked by many accomplishments. Through his leadership, lay people of the parish began answering the call to serve as teachers, lectors, musicians, ushers and ministers like never before. This came at a time when the numbers of priests and religious sisters were declining. He effectively turned that negative into a source of strength, encouraging the lay people of the parish to take greater ownership of their church. He guided the parish through the September 11 attacks and assisted hundreds of surviving relatives through the tragedy.

He is survived by his brother, Tom and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers and sisters-in-law.

Cardinal Dolan presided over the interment on Saturday, May 23rd, at Resurrection Cemetery on Staten Island, NY. A memorial service will be held at St Clare RC Church at a future date due to the coronavirus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the “St. Clare Improvement Fund” are most welcome. This fund helps keep the beautiful campus of St. Clare in top shape. Donations can be sent to St. Clare Church at 110 Nelson Avenue; Staten Island, NY 10308.