Richard Alfred Murphy

1949 - 2016

Richard Alfred Murphy obituary, 1949-2016, Oneonta, NY

BORN

1949

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home

14 Grand Street

Oneonta, New York

Richard Murphy Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 18, 2016.

Richard Alfred Murphy

On Thursday, August 18, 2016, Richard A. Murphy of Queens Village, NY and Oneonta, NY after 35 years as a Speech Therapist, 20 years in real estate, 28 years as a Little League youth baseball coach and 12 years in public office went to be with the Lord to occupy the room prepared for Rich. He was an active member of St Mary's Parish and thoroughly enjoyed the Oneonta area.

Rich was born on September 19, 1949 in Floral Park, NY the son of Eugene F. and Frances V. (Leahy) Murphy.

Rich came to Oneonta following graduation from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1972. He began a 35 year career in Speech Pathology for BOCES in the local schools receiving his Master's degree in 1977 from the College of St. Rose. Rich and his high school sweetheart, Pat, were married in 1973, raising two sons who graduated from Clarkson University and Siena College.

In 1980 Rich began a 20 year career in local real estate concurrent with teaching and a 2 year term with the YMCA Board of Directors. In 1987 he began a 28 year career as a Little League coach of "THE BANK". Rich was recognized for his baseball service in 2014, at which time the minor league field was renamed Richard Murphy Field. He was a lifelong avid New York Yankees fan.

Rich began serving Town of Oneonta residents in 2001 when elected as Councilman to the Town Board. There he reduced insurance costs, began a partnership with SUNY Oneonta to develop a web site, began a scheduled sidewalk infrastructure program and improved softball and soccer fields in Fortin Park. Running unopposed for Town Board in 2005, Rich began planning for a campaign for Otsego County Representative in 2007.

Elected to County Board in 2007, Rich was re-elected in 2009 and 2011. On the Board Rich helped include Environmental Concerns to the Solid Waste Committee, secured $75,000 for the Pony Farm Bridge, served on Public Works and reduced utility costs. Additionally he served on Technology, Efficiency and the Soil and Water Committee. When he retired from County Board in 2013, he was Vice Chair and Chair of Administration Committee. Rich retired after 12 years of service to Oneonta Town residents.

Rich lived in Oneonta with his wife, Pat. He served as Chair of First Night Oneonta, and was an active member of St Mary's Church and a sounding board for those seeking office.

Rich's whole life was involved in educating people, whether through Speech Pathology, Little League, or community representation. His final wish was to be a donor to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to give back and further research and education of Glioblastoma.

Rich is survived by his bride, Patricia D. Murphy; his sons, Brendan R. Murphy of Oneonta and Brian P. Murphy of Albany; his mother, Frances V. Leahy Murphy of Dominican Village Amityville, NY.

He is also survived by his brother, Eugene J. Murphy and his wife, Janet of North Patchogue, NY; his sister, Joan E. Mercurio and her husband, Christopher of Baldwin, NY; brothers and sisters-in-law, George and Pat, Bill, Kathy and Joe, Ken and Adria, Susan and John, Robert and Eileen, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and great nephews, and his best friends, Kermit and Vivian Weaver and John Keilly.

Rich was predeceased by his father, Eugene F. Murphy.

Friends may call on Monday, August 22, 2016 from 4 to 8 pm at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta at which time the family will be in attendance.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:15 am on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at St. Mary's Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta, with Rev. David Mickiewicz pastor of St. Mary's Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and aides who provided care for Rich during his journey. Too many to mention, too important to forget.

In lieu of flowers donations in Rich's memory may be made to the Eugene Frances Murphy Memorial Scholarship c/o Oneonta Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 1083, Oneonta, NY 13820, the Oneonta Little League, PO Box 542, Oneonta, NY 13820, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for Brain Research, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 and St. Mary's Church Renovation Project, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website: www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Not sure what to say?

September 11, 2016

Judy & Dave Forshay

Dear Pat and family,
We are so sad to hear of Rich's passing. We have such fond memories of him as one of our most favorite guests at Chelka Lodge. Rich and your entire family are like family to us and we will miss him greatly. We will always remember his smile and his wit. To see his courage and positive attitude during his illness was an inspiration to us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Much love, Judy and Dave Forshay

August 30, 2016

Renee Huber

Sorry to hear of Rich's passing. He made a difference in so many lives.

August 27, 2016

As I write, vivid memories of Rich coaching at Doc Knapp Field appear. "Murphy ball" was smart baseball, but far beyond balls and strikes, Rich taught the young ballplayers of "the Bank.' important life lessons. For my son Joe and countless others, playing for "Mr. Murphy: was a defining right of passage.
Rich was wise, idealistic, dedicated morally courageous, and enthusiastic. He was always the teacher to the young--and the not so young. Rich touched so many of us. It is remarkable to achieve so much in so many different areas as did Rich.
Even in the tough fight of recent years, Rich remained Rich.
We'll be thinking of Rich--and of Pat, Brendan, and Brian.
Bill Simons, Oneonta

August 23, 2016

Celeste Brown Thomas and Chase Thomas

Pat and family,
So very sorry to learn of Rich's passing. What a kind, dignified, wise, and special man. He never failed to encourage a kid he met, and he made a profound difference through his service to the community. It was an honor to know Rich; he'll be remembered with fondness by so many. Condolences and peace to all the family.

August 23, 2016

I always enjoyed chatting with him. Sorry for your loss.

Cynthia Squires

August 23, 2016

Sheila O'Connor

Pat, Brendan, Brian, Aunt Fran, Joan and Gene,
I am terribly sorry to hear about Richard's passing. I have wonderful memories of us playing ball in the backyard or in the streets of Queens Village. He was kind and tolerant of his trying little cousin. I believe Rich is at peace now and pray you all will find some relief knowing he is with God.
Love and prayers,
Sheila

August 23, 2016

Valerie Adams

My thoughts and prayers are with Rich's family - and everyone who ever had the privilege of knowing him, because he will leave an empty space in our lives. He was one of the best people I've ever met, and my life is better for having known him. I hope God knows how lucky He is that Rich will be with Him, because he will be sorely missed here on earth. Much love to his family. Valerie Adams

August 23, 2016

Rich Gray

Our thoughts and prayers to the Murphy family. Seems like only yesterday we were marketing Oneonta Real Estate.
Rest In Peace, Rich and Carol Gray, Flushing and Oneonta.

August 23, 2016

Patricia Follett

It has been an honor knowing Rich. He had such a way with children. I looked forward to his visits to my classroom as much as the children did. I treasure my memories of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Love to you all.

August 22, 2016

Ralph & Suzanne Miller

Pat & boys, Sorry for your loss. Rich was a good man who will be missed by many. I only knew him through Little League but he will be truly missed. He was the first to call me after my stroke and I really appreciated his insight and that "NO" was a good word. God Bless you,

August 22, 2016

Sandy & Joe Morris

Patty, Brenden and Brian: Words are never enough or correct. We are so sorry for your loss.... and our loss. Sending warmest Irish hugs and love. All are in our prayers. Sandy and Joe - and the Reardon Clan.

August 22, 2016

Our deepest sympathy to the Murphy Family for the loss of a genuine, kind
wonderful person. Rich will be missed greatly.
Stephanie, Van and Kate Jaffie

August 22, 2016

Karen Sullivan

Pat and family
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Rich. He was one of the most dignified, generous individuals I have every had the pleasure of knowing.
Karen Sullivan

August 21, 2016

Kelly Morrissey

Thank you for all you have given our community and youth Rich and Pat! We will all miss you greatly and appreciate every word of encouragement and advice you gave Hunter during Little League. Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. Philip, Kelly, Troy & Hunter (aka: Kool Aid) Morrissey

August 21, 2016

Charlie Pierce

Pat,
Teachers, setting examples, are watched carefully by students who choose to incorporate those observed behaviors into their life styles. Rich was an example for all of us to emulate, a man with high ideals, excellent ideas and the rare ability to share them with everyone successfully so all benefit. Let's call it The Rich Effect. Often sharing the same students Rich would stop at my classroom. "Where did you get that John Wesley Harding record album?" he questioned as he enjoyed the music. Rich enjoyed every bit of life, its idiosyncrasies and wonders. His attitudes and styles were contagious. We will all miss Rich. Know there are many whose thoughts are with you, Brian and Brandon.

August 21, 2016

Liz Daigle

It's been more than 50 years, but I can still see a handsome teenage Rich standing on the porch of Aunt Frances' house in Queens Village, firmly and proudly holding the hand of his sweetheart Pat. I'm sure that he still is holding her hand, and that of everyone else who loved him. With sadness at the passing of a memorable cousin and the loss of a great guy who helped make the world better for others - Liz Daigle

August 20, 2016

Bill & Nancy Lehtonen

Rich will truly be missed by all of us. He was a caring individual who made a profound difference in so many lives. He has left us physically, but will remain in our hearts and thoughts forever. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pat, Brendan, and Brian.
With love,
Bill & Nancy

August 20, 2016

Tim Gibson

The passing of Rich Murphy was the passing of a real public servant. Our condolences to Pat and Brian and Brendan.

The Gibsons

August 20, 2016

All Rich's family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom, Anne & Brendan Behan

August 20, 2016

Garry Campbell

Pat,
My deepest sympathies at the loss of Rich. Even though we lost touch over the years he was always still a good friend and roommate. There will never be another like him and I'm sure he fought a good fight. So sorry for you and your family!

August 20, 2016

Dale Bellino

Rich touched so many lives in so many different ways. I know we're all feeling sad - but, at the same, feeling grateful that we knew him - and smiling when we remember the good times spent together. Dale Bellino (Saratoga)

August 19, 2016

Mary Costello

So very sorry for your profound loss. Rich was an awesome man and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I do believe that he is at peace and free from pain and that he will always be present with us, checking and watching out for all of us. Lots of Love, Mary Costello

August 19, 2016

Joan Kollgaard

Pat,

Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. Rich fought a brave fight, but now he can rest. You all are in our thoughts and hearts.

Joan & Richard

August 19, 2016

Karen McCloskey

We are very sorry for your loss. He was a very kind man n very kind to my Mom n Dad. Mom, Kellie n myself have you in our prayers. In faith

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

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Funeral services provided by:

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