John M. Murphy, Jr.

John Martin Murphy Jr., 59, perished in a tragic fire at his home in Uniondale on February 4th. Heroic efforts were not able to save John or his beloved dog Oscar.

John (“Murph”) was born in Scranton on March 9, 1961. He attended Forest City Regional High School and then followed in the family footsteps by joining the United States Marine Corps in 1976, earning recognition as marksmen, serving with the Changing of the Guards in Washington DC, and then travelling though-out the South Pacific and many other places in the world. Returning home, John continued his childhood work with the family business, working for 20 more years for Murphy Well Drilling until a terrible accident left him with severe injuries impacting all aspects of his life.

There is much that can be said of John and his love for his family and friends. His pure soul, knack for telling stories, songs, and the many poems he wrote to memorialize those he loved, will always be cherished. John’s heart of gold, generosity to a fault, and deep concern for those in need, are the legacy he leaves. He will always be remembered with love. Nothing about John is easily forgotten.

A faithful believer in God, John has now entered the peaceful life he always envisioned. We are certain he is now watching over all of us. We love you John. Semper Fi.

Surviving is John’s most beloved daughter Meghin Murphy, the pride and joy of his life, his three-year old grandson Rowan, who he adored, Meghin’s husband Austin Mudge, and his stepson Matthew Elders, and children Brayden, Hailey, Natalie, Lucas and Cole. John loved Matthew unconditionally and raised him as his own son.

Also surviving are his brothers and sisters: Kathy and Steve Demianovich, Forest City; Margaret Murphy, Browndale; Donna Marie and John Foster, Morgantown WV; Carol Ann Murphy, Wayne, NJ; Donna (Gulbin) Murphy, Thompson; Michael Murphy; Marily and Patrick Murphy, Union Dale; Coleen and Matt Alexander, Catskill, NY; eight nieces and nephews; two great nieces, and his best friend, Bill Conrad Sr., Uniondale, who was always there for him.

John, the oldest son, was preceded in death by his parents, John Martin Murphy and Pearl Theresa (Karwaski) Murphy, his dear brother Joseph Murphy, who he still mourned, a brother James , nephew Justin, and niece Sara.

Family and close friends said farewell to John at the Kevin M. Lesjack Funeral Home, Forest City, on Thursday, February 11th, with a blessing service by Father Stephen A. Krawontka, Ascension Parish.

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