C. Theodore Murphy

Ted was born in Port Chester, NY, the eldest of seven children of Charles T. and Helen Murphy.

Ted received his BA in History and Classics from Holy Cross (‘58). He earned his Law Degree from Fordham University (’61) and was admitted to the Bar in New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island. For decades he was a very well-respected Certified Civil Trial Attorney among the members of the New Jersey Bar. During his career he handled diverse cases involving land use and development. He represented numerous hospitals and was instrumental in the realization of the Palisades General Hospital project in Fort Lee, NJ. He specialized in Aviation Defense Law and counted AIG and The Port Authority of New Jersey among his clients.

A man of remarkable intellect and wit, he inspired many with his ability to recite poetry and historical passages in full verse. His open-mindedness, broad views and ability to laugh, sing and banter at any given moment were magnetic traits that drew family and friends to his side.

His love of jazz and classical music had a profound effect on his siblings during childhood. He was known to play Nina Simone, Beethoven or Rachmaninoff at full volume while doing household chores.

Sailing was Ted’s lifelong passion. It began with his first solo voyage at age six aboard the catboat OH MY on Tiana Bay in eastern LI, where his family had a summer home. From the moment he put his toe in the water, he never looked back….

He was a member of the New York Yacht Club, Storm Trysail Club, The Corinthians and the Cruising Club of America. Ted’s blue water sailing experience included 12 CCA Newport-to-Bermuda Races and campaigning in the ‘73 Chesapeake-to-Spain TransAtlantic race. He logged 14 years’ participation in the Storm-Trysail Block Island Race Week, both as a competitor and race official. He enjoyed many regattas and summer cruises with NYYC, The Corinthians and CCA in the waters of New England, the Pacific Northwest, the Dalmation Coast, England and the Northern Isles, and the Caribbean.

He loved nothing better than being aboard his beloved C&C 38 LAUGHTER. Whether racing, day sailing to celebrate birthdays and family gatherings, or cruising in later life, his enthusiasm for everything -- the logistics, the gathering of an able crew, and most importantly, his enjoyment of the company of fellow sailors -- left all who knew him with warm memories of Ted and his love of the sea.

Ted is survived by his wife Sally, with whom he shared 23 loving, intellectual and mutually respectful years. He leaves behind four children, Meagan, Bevinn (Rob), Gillian (Richard) and Connor; his first wife Moira; five sisters, Sherrie, Rosemary, Charleen, Judy and Christine and a brother, Jim (Kristin); and three stepchildren, Charles (Daian), Sara, and Amy (Jed). A proud and loving grandfather, he was known as “GrandTed” to Coles, Seeley, Erinn, Madeline, Henry, Jamie, Julia, Philip and Sara.

Ted Murphy has crossed the bar for the final time. Fair winds and following seas.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA in honor of C. Theordore Murphy.