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BORN
1944
DIED
2011
FUNERAL HOME
604 43rd Street West
Bradenton, Florida
J. Murphy Obituary
And, as Bradenton Herald columnist Vin Mannix wrote, Dr. Murphy was a man who made time for everyone: His family. His patients. His staff. And his community.
That was Dr. Murphy, longtime optometrist and 66-year-old civic leader who seemed to have had half of Manatee County as patients at one time or another at the Eye Center Inc.
"He cared about people and a sense of service," said Dr. Michael Mackie, a senior partner. "A wonderful man who never quit giving back. Even to the last. This is an astronomical loss."
Brian Murphy was born Nov. 2, 1944, in Oxnard, Calif., to the late John and Jean Murphy. The family relocated to Sarasota in his youth and he graduated from Riverview High School in 1962.
He attended Florida State University and graduated in 1966 with honors, and joined the U.S. Army. After his honorable discharge, he taught math and science at Venice Junior High for four years before moving to Columbus, Ohio, and enrolling in the College of Optometry at The Ohio State University.
While finishing his doctorate in optometry, he met Kris Keener and they married six months later in August 1971. After graduating with honors from OSU in 1974, Brian and his wife relocated back to the Sarasota/Bradenton area.
Dr. Murphy joined the Eye Center in 1977, and was still working almost four days a week despite chronic back problems. His numerous civic roles included chairman of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce; president of the United Way, Bradenton Kiwanis, the Florida West Coast Symphony; and chairman of the Manatee Public Schools Foundation and Suncoast Workforce Board.
Dr. Murphy enjoyed traveling, sailing, and had a love of the arts. He was a loving father, husband and brother. Survivors his wife, Kris Murphy, his daughters, Molly Erin Murphy of Arlington, Va., and Tara Lynne Murphy of Philadelphia, Pa., (son-in-law Matt Murphy), his brothers Patrick Murphy and Michael Murphy, of the Sarasota/Bradenton area.
The family will have a memorial service at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011 at Christ Episcopal Church 4030 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34205.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Sarasota Orchestra Youth Orchestra Program, to the Manatee County United Way Food Bank, to the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Foundation, or charity of your choice.
Memories and Condolences
for J. Murphy
53 Entries
Candy and David Smith
May 5, 2013
Kris, David and I are in Florida with Rick and Janet Gordon and went to see frank Decaria. There we learned about Brian's passing. We are so sorry to have lost contact and to have learned this sad news. Hugs my friend.
Bonnie Wiedeman
February 22, 2012
I was truly saddened to hear of Dr. Murphy's passing. He was such a wonderful person. We will miss him greatly. May he rest in peace.
January 13, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. I'm saddened that I'll never get to meet this great man.
vernice johnson
September 22, 2011
Sorry lost he will be missed. vernice johnson an family
Amaro Saumell
September 20, 2011
I just happened upon this article on the Internet and was shocked. My condolences to all the family. Brian was the bright spot in many lives. What an encouragement he as to me in my previous profession. He was just plain fun! May God bless him eternally!
In Christ,
Fr. Amaro Saumell
Lu Ann Nelson
September 6, 2011
Kris, Tara and Molly,
So very sorry to hear this tragic news. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Hugs,
Ellie Disney
August 22, 2011
Although I moved to North Carolina 8 years ago, I always kept Brian as my eye doctor. I looked forward to seeing him again this November. We always caught up on what our families were doing and how proud we were of our children. I will miss my dear friend and eye specialist emensely.
brenda may
August 22, 2011
Tara and Molly, Your Dad was the best father!!!!!He was so sweet to Merrily when Milton was away baseball season!
Margie Erdman
August 20, 2011
Kris, Tara and Molly, We just learned today of Brian's passing. We extend our sympathy to all. He always had a warm smile and a good word for everyone. Love to all, Margie Olson Erdman, Sherri Olson Hewett, Wendy & Kim Olson
August 20, 2011
You are in out thoughts. Mark and Sara Weintraub
August 18, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kristen Bechdolt
August 17, 2011
My husband and I were his patients, but we always felt like his friends when we had our yearly visit to get our eyes checked and glasses. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Getting glasses will never be the same. May God bless his family.
Kristen and John Bechdolt
August 17, 2011
Dr. Murphy was a wonderful, caring doctor. He always had time for his patients and you never felt rushed and you could talk to him about anything. My kids loved him! He will be greatly missed! My prayers are with the family.
Kimberly, Kiara and Cheyenne Stubbs
Sandy Batson- Hackley
August 17, 2011
Dr. Murphy,a great friend & Colleague. I always enjoyed working together with all our Community Service ventures in the Eye Care Field. To his wife and daughters please accept my sincere condolences.(2 Timothy 4:6-8)
Jennifer Radebach
August 16, 2011
Kris,
I am so sorry for your loss. Brian was a kind, giving, and dedicated person. He was a good friend with relentless loyalty. I am deeply saddened. You and your daughters are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathy.
Mitchell and Denise Massie
August 16, 2011
Kris, Mitch and I send our deepest condolence for your loss, we pray that the Lord brings you and your family comfort and peace.
Bill Russell
August 16, 2011
This loss can never be replaced.
August 15, 2011
It was an honor and a privilege to know Brian, as a Dr. and community leader... he will be sorely missed.
Joan & Fred Finch
August 15, 2011
I am so sad for the loss of a dear man and leader. He was always kind and caring. He was chairman when I worked at the Chamber and it was always a pleasure to see and talk to him. My prayers are with you all.
Joan and Fred Finch
Francine Diemer
August 15, 2011
My most recent communication with Dr. Murphy was when my husband, Mike, passed away unexpectedly in May 2011. Mike was a patient and Dr. Murphy was very gracious in his condolences. He was a real gentleman and professional. My sympathy to your entire family - you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Trish & Terry Middleton
August 15, 2011
Kris, We are so sorry for your loss. May God & your faith help you and your family through this difficult time.
Renee Robert Weintraub
August 15, 2011
I have known Dr. Murphy as a patient at the Eye Center since 1981. He was a wonderful man, that will be deeply missed. I have enclosed a prayer that gave me some comfort when my father passed away, and in some way I hope it provides comfort to your family.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there. I do not sleep,
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain,
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift upliftiing rush,
Of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night,
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die.
Rest in peace Dr. Murphy, and God Bless
Your Family
August 15, 2011
Brian Murphy was my eye doctor and friend for over 25 years. He always took time to make everyone feel special and welcome. As a fellow Kiwanian, I saw him give his best for every organization he worked for. He was special & will be missed. God bless his family and thanks for allowing Brian to be Brian.
Gerry Russell
August 15, 2011
Brian was a pal from HS, a room mate at FSU. We graduated togther in Aug of 66 and went to take our OCS physicals together, he passed and went to Ft Dix, I failed and went off to be a computer analyst. When Brian got out of basic after 6 weeks he week ended with me in Cherry Hill.
We went off the diffeent schools for more education, but always managed to get together every year or so.
He was my eye doctor for the 70's to present. After I returned to Florida we saw each other yearly. We phoned each other in the Fall to lament FSU's football failures.
His death is terrible, he leaves a hole in my life and many others.
John Hutterly, Naples, FL
Christopher Steinhoff
August 15, 2011
I never had the honor of meeting Brian, but I count his daughter, Tara, as a friend. I believe that, in the main, children reflect the values inculcated in them by their parents.Tara is an educated, cultured, caring, loyal, involved, enthusiastic representative of her species. In reading the tributes to her father, it's easy to understand from whence these qualities derived.
Francis Shea
August 14, 2011
Brian was a friend for only a couple of years as we first met at the community boat docks. Within no time he seemed like a lifelong friend.
We tackled some neighborhood projects but mostly just enjoyed each other's company. Brian was very knowledgeable about almost any subject and loved to be a philosopher and our many long talks will be what I will greatly miss.
My love to Kris and her family as they grieve, and my wishes for all to remember the great man he was.
I will miss him very much.
Susan Di Cicco
August 14, 2011
Kris and family,
I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. I pray for peace and comfort for you all during this trying time. May you feel God's loving arms around you more now than ever before.
Marie
August 14, 2011
he was the first eye Dr. I went to ,always with a smile on his face. My condolences to all of his family.May GOD BLESS ALL..
Joyce Johnson
August 14, 2011
I was Dr. Murphy's patient for 25 years. He was a wonderful and caring doctor and I will miss him dearly. I pray for his family.
Dianne Clooney
August 13, 2011
Dr. Murphy was an extraordinary person. As a former patient,I was very sad to read of his death. May his family find comfort in all of the good he did in life. May God grant them peace as they deal with this difficult time.
August 13, 2011
We will miss Dr. Murphy in so many ways. His service to this community, his always listening ear and his real concern for others will be remembered. May the family experience God's peace and know that Dr. Murphy is now at rest.
Barbara A. Harvey
Margaret (Apple) Jones
August 13, 2011
Kris, Molly & Tara, I wish for you peace and understanding, which will come in time. I am sorry to hear of your loss, and will hold you in my thoughts and prayers.
Leora (lee) Stirrat
August 13, 2011
Kris I am so sorry for your loss please let me know if you need anything.
August 13, 2011
Brian set a standard for community service, we will all miss him
Steve Nadeau
Jay Heagerty
August 13, 2011
Kris and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Dr Murphy was a fine man and we as a community are greatful for his sense of civic duty. May you all find the peace and strength you need to get through this difficult time. May God bless you and Dr Murphy.
Susan & Randy McSwain
August 13, 2011
Kris, we have the deepest respect for Brian and for you. This is a terrible loss for your family and our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Tara and Molly.
Barbara Grant
August 13, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tom & Sue Meyer
August 12, 2011
Dear Kris & Family-
May God grant you strength and family and friends love and support you during this most difficult time. We were lucky enough to know Brian professionally and personally. He was a caring individual in our lives.
Vanessa & Don Baugh
August 12, 2011
Kris, Tara & Molly we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers during this terrible time. Brian will be missed by many whose lives he touched.
Gaston Merideth
August 12, 2011
DR. Murphy was a great mentor and friend to me when I lived in Bradenton. Very wise business man, willing to share his knowledge. I met him as my eye doctor, but got to know him when he was chairman at the Manatee Chamber. He even let my son spend a day at the Cortez office to see how the daily life was as an eye doctor. I do not understand his life end, but I do appreciate how he lived. Jesus, please comfort his family
Donna and Bryan Ottey
August 12, 2011
Kris and family-
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and strength during this difficult time.
August 12, 2011
Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Joan Shirey and the
East Manatee Republican Club
Tom & Amy Ferrara
August 12, 2011
Dr. Murphy was not only a excellent Doctor he was a Class act! This man always made extra time for us as a patients & was always genuinely concerned about both my family & myself. I could type for an hour telling you how awesome of a man this man truly was, however those of you already know. Rest in Peace Dr. Murphy & Bradenton has truly lost one of its great icons. God speed.
Kristin Lorentzen-Steffen
August 12, 2011
Kris, Molly and Tara-
I have such wonderful memories of Brian growing up around your house with sleep overs at the Murphy residence. May you find peace in your memories during this difficult time. God bless.
Amy & Bob Nicholson
August 12, 2011
Kris, your Blake family will float you through. We are here.
Julie Aranibar
August 12, 2011
Dear Kris & Family,
Wishing you all God's grace and mercy at this time. I am grateful for the friendship shared and advice and care on behalf of myself and so many in our community.
George and Maria Vitola
August 12, 2011
Kris and family, you will all be in our prayers. May the peace of God comfort you.
August 12, 2011
Brian was wonderful person,Physician and it is an honor, to call him friend. May the Peace of the Lord, be with you during this difficult time for you. Let us know if there is anyway that we can help. Love, Allen and Barbara Boyce
Christine Turner Ashburn
August 12, 2011
Kris, Tara and Molly - you are in my thoughts and prayers. Dr. Murphy always greeted me with a smile on his face whether at church, school or while kindly hosting middle school pool parties at your house. I will remember him fondly.
Jim and Gloria
August 12, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Judy Sedgeman
August 12, 2011
Brian was a wonderful, caring doctor and a great contributor to life in his community. It was always a delight to be in his company, or to work with him on projects. He earned the respect and affection of all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed!
Mary Cathryn & Greg Haller
August 12, 2011
Brian's spirit will live on as he touched so many lives. Hugs and prayers to Kris, Tara, and Molly as you go thru this very tough time.
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Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory (43rd St. Chapel) - Bradenton604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209
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