John Joseph Murphy

John grew up in Manhattan with 2 brothers and 5 sisters. He went to Manhattan College and City College. In 1952 he went into the Navy and was on the William R. Rush.

When he came home he married the love of his life (and no it wasn't muffin) and started working for the telephone company. They had 7 children and then the adventure started. They lived in the Bronx with 3 little girls and moved to Rockaway where every night, even in the winter, when he got home from work we would walk on the boardwalk or swim. He taught all of us to swim and take the waves in. Then he would take 3 weeks off and pack his Volkswagen Bus with a tent, cooler, 5 kids, a Irish setter (Mr. Fity Patrick I & II), and my poor mother with her kerchief on. We all have a lot of fun and crazy memories.

Then he moved us to Sound Beach behind the church and in the summers they had a tent set up so my dad would give us a choice to plant pachysandra for 2 hours or go to church. We would plant the pachysandras but not thinking we heard 2 masses.

John has done so much in his life. After he retired, he continued to go to school. He received his masters in Theology and his masters in Fine Arts. Even when he was sick he would watch educational dvds.

John was the picture of love and patience with his 7 kids, 16 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. He always stepped up when one was in need, no questions asked. His deep love and loyalty to family and friends inspired our deep love and loyalty to him.

He loved to drive. He would drive to Florida and call me and tell me he would be there in 5 hours (he was lucky I was home). He was 84 years old and he went on his last adventure. He drove from Florida to New York to Wisconsin and Chicago and Utah, then California where he meet his nephew who drove back with him, stopping in Arizona and Texas before coming back to Florida.

Daddy, thank you for all the good times and the love you gave us. We all love you and will miss you! Please give Mommy and Mary a million hugs and kisses for us.

Oh, and Dad, Patrick posted an add on Facebook for new parents because we are now orphans!

John leaves behind his many beloved family members but is finally reunited with his love of 76 years, Dorothy. Survived by his children: Mary, Eileen (John G), Cathy (Rob), John (Jackie), Patricia, Patrick (Melissa) and Christine (Billy). His siblings: Catherine, Ann, Patrick, Mary, Margaret, Eileen and Edward. His grandchildren Richie, Patrick, Kristen, Johnny, Casey, Jessie, Megan, Erin, Ashley, Johnathan, Jack, Padraig, Fionn, Kate, Keira, Shannon. His great grandchildren: Branson, Waylon, Bella, Olivia, Patrick, Lexi, Nova, Josiah, Siyel, Zariah, Yari, Julian and KJ. His great great grandchildren: Jocelyn and Kameron.

"A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one"

Family and friends that knew John could find him in various projects like: Gardening, painting, woodworking, reading to advance his education and as well for pleasure.

Very active in community organizations, John was the head of the conservative Party in Rockaway and organized a rally in which Senator William Buckley attended! John even had the help from his children hanging out Nixon Agnew buttons and stapling flyers. John was also a proud owner of a "Make America Great Again" hat!!

Those who knew and loved John will deeply miss him.