Michael Andrew Murphy OBITUARY
Murphy,, Michael Andrew, –> MURPHY, MICHAEL ANDREW, A Man For All Seasons A Man Loved By All, Michael Andrew Murphy, beloved husband, stepdad, “Papa”, son, brother and uncle, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on September 19, 2012, following a courageous two-month battle with brain cancer. Michael was born in Bagenalstown, CO. Carlow, Ireland on July 5, 1925, to Michael Murphy, Sr. and Anne Grady Murphy of Co. Tipperary. He was educated at St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny, and was ordained into the Catholic priesthood at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, on June 5, 1949. He left Ireland to serve the church in the United States, beginning with pastoral duties in Wichita, KS. Michael became an American citizen in 1955. Three years later, in 1958, he decided to serve his newly-adopted country by joining the U.S. Navy. Michael was a member of the Chaplain Corps, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain. His service included deployment aboard the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard, during the Vietnam War. Michael often remarked that he was honored to be able to use his spiritual gifts to counsel and comfort the servicemen of that era. In 1980, Michael retired and moved to Central Florida where he began his second career as an instructor at Seminole Community College (now Seminole State) He was a well-loved and admired professor for the next 32 years. His allegiance to the school was complete, but “The Fightin’ Irishman” never let anyone forget on an autumn Saturday that Notre Dame football deserved his complete attention. Michael was looking forward to picking up his familiar briefcase and returning to classes in World Religions, Humanities and History when illness struck. All who knew Michael over his 87 years with us will recall a gentleman who pursued a life of serious purpose, but did so with remarkable lightness and sweetness of spirit. Survivors include his devoted and loving wife of 28 years, Lorraine Williams Murphy; his six beloved stepchildren, Lori Williams Sweat (Max) of Bristol, TN, Jan Marie Williams of Memphis, TN, Michael Edward Williams (Leisa) of Miami, FL, Carol Williams Kaufman (Mark), of Boynton Beach, FL, Darby Williams Hold (Bob) of Winter Park, FL, and Stephen Scott Williams (Karen) of La Plata, MD. Papa’s adoring grandchildren include Lindsay Williams, Erin Williams, Alison Williams, Kristin Sweat, Kimberly Sweat, Stephanie Williams, Andrew Williams, Dana Kaufman, Michael Kaufman, and (soon to be “married” into the family), Gabriella Torres and Maddox Torres. Surviving family members residing in Ireland include his brother, James Joseph Murphy (Beryl); and his nephews Michael Andrew Murphy II, John Murphy (Emma), Len Roche (Hilary), Patrick Roche (Mairead), Michael A. Roche. Also his nieces, Cora Lambert (John), Ann O’Shea (Larry), Maresa McDonald (John), Kay Tobin (Brian), Clare McNally (Niall); and 24 great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Maureen and Peggy; and by his devoted best friend, Paddy Roche. A Wake Service will be held on September 27 and a Mass of the Resurrection on September 28 to celebrate Michael’s profound life story. Please go to www.baldwinfairchild.com for details and to sign his registry. Michael will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Baldwin – Fairchild Funeral Homes and Cemeteries Oaklawn Chapel 5000 CR 46A Sanford, Florida 32773 407-322-4263 in charge of the arrangements.
