Robert E. Murphy

ROBERT EMMETT MURPHY – Legendary track coach, Robert E. Murphy, 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend died December 12, 2022. He died after a long illness in the comfort of his home surrounded by family. He was born January 9, 1940, in New Yok City, the son of William J. Murphy II and Helen (Harris) Murphy.

Robert graduated from Park Ridge High School in 1958. He played Football, Baseball and Basketball for the Owls and upon graduation, he attended St. Bonaventure University (BA) where he was a competitive swimmer and diver and was voted most valuable player in football. He also attended Montclair State University for his Masters Degree in Education. He married his childhood sweetheart, Judith Reimers, on August 18th, 1962, and two weeks later they began working together as part of the first staff of the brand new St. Joseph Regional H.S. Their family grew to welcome three daughters, Meredith, Meigan and Judith. They celebrated 60 years of marriage in August, 2022 and lived all their lives in Park Ridge.

He was a physical education instructor and coach for over forty years at St. Joseph Regional High School, Montvale, NJ, and North Rockland High School. Stony Point NY. He managed the Washington Township Swim Club,

originated United Road Runners, United Track and Field

Camp, and was part owner of the Bear’s Nest Restaurant in Park Ridge. He was awarded an honorary black belt from Bushido Karate Dojo, Hillsdale, NJ.

As coach, he received many accolades and awards during his career: Among them, Bergen Country Track Coach of the Year. His 1969-70 SJR Track and Field Team was voted the Track Team of the Century in 2000. The SJR track is named in his honor. He was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at St Joseph Regional HS as well as the North Rockland Sports Hall of Fame. He ran five marathons and many half-marathons.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, William J. Murphy III, Korean War Hero, and his sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Aldo Breda.

He is survived by his wife, his three daughters and their families: Meredith and Daniel Bronstein of Park Ridge: Stephen (wife Layla & son Benjamin,) Lyndzi, Rachel, Derryn, and Taylor. Meigan and Kenneth Bronstein, of Mahwah, and their daughters Kori and Kasey. Judith and Robert DeRosa of Park Ridge their daughter Sarah and their son, Thomas, many nieces, nephews, cousins, god children and friends.

A service of remembrance will be held, Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 2 Fremont Avenue, Park Ridge, New Jersey 07656 from 4-8 PM. An OLM funeral mass will be held, Wednesday, December 21 at 10 AM. Cremation will be immediately following at Ferncliff Cemetery, 280 Secor Road, Hartsdale, New York 10530.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to remember Robert in a special way may make gifts in his memory to: St. Joseph Regional HS, 40 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Montvale, NJ 07645 or online at sjrathletics.com/murphy.