Obituary of Edmund Patrick Murphy
Born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1935, Ed Murphy (sometimes called “Eddie” by his childhood friends) grew up in East Orange and spent his life in New Jersey. He attended Our Lady of All Souls Elementary School and then Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair. Later, Ed earned his B.A. from Seton Hall University. Following his call to become a Catholic priest, he attended the Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington, NJ and was later ordained in 1961. Ed found deep meaning in the transformations of Catholic teaching that emerged from the Second Vatican Council meetings, which began soon after his ordination. As he served St. Aloysius Parish in Jersey City, Ed found purpose in helping others connect to their spirituality by enriching the liturgical rituals, leading workshops, and facilitating spiritual dialogue to guide his congregants.
Ed served St. Aloysius until 1967, when he decided to leave the priesthood to follow a secular calling and serve as an advocate. He attended New York University and earned an M.A. in Human Relations, where he also taught and led discussion seminars that addressed civil rights. He married Catherine Cummings in 1968, and the two became parents to their daughter Erika in 1971. Ed went on to serve as the Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Union County from 1972 through 2001. At that time, Ed transitioned into the role of Executive Director of the Supportive Housing Association of NJ. At SHANJ ,Ed found his purpose in bringing together housing developers, social service organizations, state agencies, corporations, and many individuals who worked to provide affordable housing with supportive services to people with special needs throughout NJ.
Ed was known for his gentle demeanor, his temperate spirit, his quiet wisdom, and wry sense of humor. He found great richness in connecting people, caring for others, and found an expanding sense of spirituality in his later years. After starting yoga at the age of 70, he found delight in reading spiritual contemplations, visiting ashrams, and engaging in his own rituals and spiritual practices at home.
Ed is survived by his wife Catherine Murphy, his daughter Erika Murphy, his sister Mary Murphy, and his cousins Anne Merryfield and Joe Healey.
Anyone who would like to honor Ed’s life of service can make a donation to the Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey.
Please join us for a celebration of life on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Denville Community Church, 190 Diamond Spring Rd, Denville, NJ 07834. Those unable to attend can watch live using the links below or watch the recording at a later date. Feel free to post a tribute or memory on this page. We're grateful for all those who have been a part of Ed's life over the years and we thank you for helping us to celebrate his memory.
Livestream links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/177vsVMFmT/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/KUJ1lJEY7xY?si=so-VncUDs9DZzhNm
