Richard Murphy

Richard E. Murphy was born February 19, 1931, he passed away peacefully surrounded by all his children, several of his grandchildren, his cousin Denis, and his sons-in-law on July 25, 2014 in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was the son of late Edward and Alice (nee. McNulty) Murphy. Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ where he attended St. Peter’s Prep and St. Peter’s College. He married his “best girl” Gertrude Okonsky on August 27, 1955 and together they raised five children: Bryan, Ellen (Kenneth King), Richard (Joanne Noetzold) Kathleen (Ryan Kumpf) and Amy (David Cranmer), seven grandchildren - Heather, Caitlin, Kevin, Kelly, Kristin, Ashley, Edward, Patrick, and Lauren, and two great-grandchildren - Maggie Mae and Caroline Grace. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward (1981) and Alice (1953) and his beloved wife of fifty-six years, Gertrude (2011).

In his youth, he was a well-known Jersey City high school and college baseball player, and was awarded a college scholarship. After graduation, along with his lifelong friend and brother-in-law Frank Okonsky, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, and fought on the front in the Korean War with the First Marine Division. He was awarded multiple US and Foreign decorations related to his service in the Korean War, and was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant on October 1, 1954. Upon his return from the war, and their subsequent marriage, Dick and Gert settled in Oakland, NJ to raise their family, continually active in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish. As owner of insurance, real estate, and tax preparation businesses, Dick led the Murphy family in supporting many religious, educational, athletic, civic and charitable causes in the Oakland, NJ and surrounding communities.

In retirement, Dick and Gert moved to Chambersburg, PA, where they both remained active in several religious ministries, including Eucharistic minister, nursing home ministry, and counselor to the imprisoned. He remained a proud Marine, continuing to honor the principles, practices, and traditions of his beloved Corps, including physical fitness. He actually succumbed during his daily 3 – 5 mile run. Until his last day on earth, his relationship with his Lord and his extended family and his Semper Fi spirit were his daily inspiration and guidance, and he proudly proclaimed them through deed and word.

Mass of Christian of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at 10 AM in Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 320 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg, PA, where Rev. Fr. Louis Rodriguez will celebrate. The family will receive friends on Monday, July 28 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Rd., Chambersburg, PA. Interment will follow the Mass in Corpus Christi Catholic Cemetery.