Martin Murphy
Martin Murphy

Obituary of Martin Murphy

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Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Avenue Denville, New Jersey 07834 (973) 627-1880 Star Ledger, web site—No, 1x Sunday May 29, 2011 Neighbor News Martin Murphy passed away at Franciscan Oaks Health Center on Tuesday, May 24, 2011, after a valiant battle with cancer, at the age of 96. Born in County Mayo, Ireland in 1915, Martin followed the path of several of his brothers and sisters, and came to the United States in 1939 to seek his fame and fortune in the land of opportunity. Martin was predeceased by his wife, Sarah (Molloy) Murphy, after 48 wonderful years of marriage, in April of 1996 and a daughter, Mary, who died shortly after birth. He has two surviving sons Martin (Shirley) and William (Jude) and four grandchildren Douglas (Daniele), Jennifer, Regan (Schihuan) and Eamon, a cousin Nancy O'Donnell (Patrick) and many nieces and nephews. He proudly served in the US Army during WW II, seeing action in the Pacific as part of an anti-aircraft unit and winning a Bronze Star and Good Conduct medal as well as earning his US citizenship before being honorably discharged in 1946. His working career started with the Reeves and Safeway supermarket chains but Martin was determined to own something of his own and subsequently built several successful businesses including delicatessen, tavern and wine and liquor ventures that kept him very busy into his mid 60s. He tried retirement for about 6 months, but found that being busy was in his blood, so he took a part time position with a private security company and worked until the age of 85 at Hudson House in Irvington, NY, when he finally retired for real this time. For the majority of his life, Martin lived, worked and operated his business ventures in and around North Tarrytown, NY, but at the age of 90 he relocated to Franciscan Oaks in Denville, where he has had the opportunity to develop and share many new friendships and experiences which added much joy to his life. Funeral services will be coordinated by Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville, N.J. with viewings scheduled for Tuesday, May 31, 2011, between the hours of 9:00 - 11:00 AM. This will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial service at St Mary's Catholic Church, Denville, N.J. at 11:30 AM. Burial will be conducted the following day, at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla, NY, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the American Cancer Society or a random act of kindness to a needy individual would be appreciated.