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Michael Murphy Obituary
Michael J. Murphy, 60, walked into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 11, 2006.
He was the precious husband of Tampa (nee Lann); adoring father of Shannon (Mike, deceased) and Ryan; cherished brother of Pat (Margot) and Alison (Doug); grandfather of Nathan, Brandon, Brittany, Kyle, and Colin; treasured friend of many, and preceded in death by parents, Jim and Mary, and daughter, Erin.
Mike was born in Aurora, Ill., an honor-roll student, gifted athlete, and already accomplished musician throughout high school and college; enlisted in the U.S. Navy, served as staff instructor at U.S. Navy School of Music, and was recipient of the prestigious American Spirit and Honor Medal.
Mike was a professional musician in both Chicago and Los Angeles as a studio drummer, jingle producer, educator, live performer, and manufacturer (Director of Operations for Drum Workshop). He toured five years with the Grammy Award-winning band CHICAGO as drum and computer technician, bridging the gap into digital technology, developing protocol for use of sequencing in live performance; executing the same for Yanni and Manhattan Transfer. Mike was most honored to be the drummer for the multi-award-winning BEE GEES, supporting their 1989 "One For All" world tour.
As a devoted husband, Mike moved to Cleveland in 1994, to support his wife as caregiver for her Alzheimer-stricken mom. With his vast industry experience, he became a successful custom integrator of audio, video, lighting, and security systems for many elegant northeast Ohio homes, as well as sound reinforcement for concert halls, stadiums, arenas, museums, medical facilities, and many local churches, including Parkside Church and, most recently, his own Hudson Community Chapel.
However, most importantly, Mike professed faith in Jesus Christ and used his talents, with excellence and joy, to lead others into worship every Sunday from behind the drums -- a workman approved by God.
Mike had just retired as project manager and professional audio and systems integration engineer for the prestigious NETEAM AVI to begin full-time ministry position as director of media and production at Hudson Community Chapel.
Mike's burial will be at Knollwood Cemetery in Mayfield Heights on Tuesday, April 18, at 11:30 a.m., for family and friends. There will be a memorial celebration service on Wednesday, April 19, at 10:30 a.m., at Hudson Community Chapel, 750 W. Streetsboro St., Hudson, Ohio. (REDMON, STOW, 330-688-6631.)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Murphy
Sponsored by Tampa Murphy.
Ken fairbanks
June 4, 2024
I knew Mike Murphy´s father and mother played drums with his father. We went to the same school. Mike used to come down to the club where I played. You will be truly missed by me ken fairbanks 630-859-2887.
Bill Boroski
July 29, 2016
My condelences and warmest wishes to Mike's family. I first met Mike when I joined the Fox Valley Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps as a drummer in the mid-70s. Not only was Mike a great drummer and instructor, he was a great man. In addition to drumming with the Corp, I wanted to learn more about set drumming from Mike, but I couldn't afford to pay for private lessons. Mike offered to teach me in exchange for performing odd jobs for him around his house. I raked leaves, mowed the lawn, cleaned the garage, and did anything else that Mike asked. He didn't need to do this for me, he did this to help me. I was so honored to be with him, and to learn from him. And he taught me so much more than just drumming. He taught me about kindness and the value of hard work. He taught me about ethics, about working for what you want, and committing to being the best you could be. I wish I had stayed in contact with Mike and I am so saddened to read about his passing. He touched so many lives in so many special ways and he left us way too soon. There has always been, and there will always be, a special place in my heart for Mike. May God bless you all.
March 11, 2014
Continue Godspeed. Lest we never forget. Thank you Michael.
Reiny & Joyce & Family Toerek
October 20, 2006
Dear Tampa,
We were surprised and saddened to hear of Mike's passing. He truely was a worship leader and we all felt God's presence when he played. You are in our prayers as your annointed ministry continues.
Dan & Mary Donovan
June 14, 2006
Tampa and the Murphy Family,
We are sorry for your loss. We are praying God's continued comfort for you, now and in the times ahead. We are thankful reality and power of Jesus Christ. May His grace and presence pour into your lives.
In Christ, Dan and Mary Donovan
Johnny Zvolensky
May 9, 2006
My heart goes out to the Murphy family. Just wanted to say what an inspiration and role model he was to me, musically and as such a Godly man while I was a teenager at Parkside. He had offered his support to my many questions about being a musician. I really believe that he had a hand in where I am today, a musician.
Kirsten Frei-Herrmann
April 26, 2006
Mike will be missed! I was on vacation and was saddened to hear that he lost the battle on this earth! My prayers are with you during this difficult time. I was blessed to have you both at Parkside for so many years.
God bless you Tampa. May you feel His presence during this difficult time.
Lenny Gilchrist
April 23, 2006
I am so sorry to read of the passing of Mike.. I lost contact with Mike when he moved from Aurora. Mike and his family has made a permarent impact or my life through music. I went to school with mike years ago and played in both band and drumb corps for years and we even talked about joining the Navy after High School. Mike was a giver and he seemed to have time for others. He will be missed by many. God bless and keep his family.
Bob Gilchrist
April 22, 2006
You have our families love and prayers.I grew-up with Mike and Pat here in Aurora...Played in the band at school and the Vaquaros Drum & Bugle Corps here in Aurora...taught
music with him at the Fox Valley Raiders Drum And Bugle Corps here in Aurora...I will always remember that great spirit and drive he had to get the best from us all and himself....and music was not all that he was good at...in school he was the confrence Up State 8 ..Quarter back for the great East Aurora High School Football team... "Go Tomcat"...
Well Mike ,Now you can play that music of your's up there in heaven with your Dad's Band;Dolan,Sadler,(Gilly)Gilchrist,
and the rest of the gang from Aurora...Peace Be With You All!!!
Larry Deguisne
April 20, 2006
All of our love and prayers go out to Mike's family and please know that he truly blessed our lives in the Drum Corps world as we remember Mike's gift for music and teaching and caring for others
Rev. Jim Trautz
April 20, 2006
My deepest condolences to your family. May God continue to bless you and give you strength & encouragement.
Kevin Lange
April 19, 2006
My love to Mike's family, from all of us from The Fox Valley Raiders drum corps. Mike was truly a great drummer& teacher. Sorry i wasn't there for the service, but i will always remember Mike....
Barbie Pope
April 19, 2006
Tampa,
You're in my prayers and God will give you the strenght to take one day at a time.
Always,
Barbie Pope
Chris Harff
April 18, 2006
Dear Tampa and family, my condolences to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I first met Mike almost ten years ago at PSC as a tech volunteer. Mike was a very real encouragement to me every time we met, every step of the way. He was keen in listening to my dreams and encouraged me to follow whatever it is God puts in my heart to do.
Mike looked at me directly in the eyes and patiently assured me "I know you can do it". He repeated that as many times as my mind needed to hear to comprehend those words.
Mike was a true leader who generously paved the way for his helpers. He had a discerning spirit, yet he was very comfortable in his role. He preferred putting his complete trust in those who worked or served with him so they could experience growth.
Just about anyone fortunate enough to help Mike could easily become his main contact for a job. No matter how trivial or small the job may have seemed, Mike would always appreciate the support and always remembered you for it.
I'm sure the short time Mike spent at HCC was simply not enough for the newer people who got to know and love Mike and Tampa.
Mike is definitely in a better place now. I thank God for placing him in our lives.
Pamela & Melvin Spencer/Parkside Church
April 18, 2006
Dear Tampa and family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our prayers daily. May God Bless and Keep you and your family during this difficult time.
kirby davis
April 18, 2006
tampa,
our deepest sympathies.
please know
that you and your family
are in our thoughts and prayers.
you and mike have such a wide
extended family and mike is now
in his fathers loving arms.
thank-you both for all of your many
years of loving friendship and support at parkside church.
parkside''s loss was surely
hudson's gain.
and now we all have lost.
god bless you and keep you tampa.
with sincerest condolences,
kirby davis
parkside church
George Rosin
April 18, 2006
Tampa:
I am so saddened by your loss. I wish that I could attend the memorial service. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I never knew Michael, but his record speaks for his talent and energy. I knew of your lifetime devotion to your mother and her illness. He was obviously a wonderful man and life partner to care more about her and you than himself.
Joe & Lydia SanFilippo
April 18, 2006
Tampa and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the great loss of your husband and best friend. It is comforting to know that your deep faith will guide you through these difficult times.
May God Bless You Always
Redmon Funeral Home Inc.
April 18, 2006
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Keith Schmader
April 17, 2006
Oh how he will be missed. Mike was a remarkable man and a true friend. I've truly learned so much from him and I am thankful for the time I was able to spend with him. God will pour his blessings upon you Tampa helping you through this time. Let us rejoice as Mike is in a far greater place.
Michelle Wilson
April 17, 2006
Sweet Tampa,
I'm so sorry to hear about Mike. Over the years as I grew-up at PSC, running around "with the girls", it was always nice to catch-up with you and Mike! He will be truly missed. You are in my prayers daily! With Love,
Danielle Wilson
April 17, 2006
Dear Tampa and family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Mike but I'm so blessed to know he's in GREAT hands. You both have been such an influence in my life growing up at Parkside. Mike will be dearly missed.
Carol Costabile
April 17, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bob Kamnikar
April 17, 2006
Tampa;
I'm sorry to hear about Mike. I just wanted to drop a note to let you know that you are being covered in prayer from the West side too.
Bob Kamnikar - Worked with Mike Bowerman on PSC's Commons addition.
Dani Herald
April 17, 2006
Dear Tampa,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and Mike are both very special to me. I am so grateful that God brought both of you to HCC. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you feel God's presence during this difficult time. I love you.
Dave Adams
April 17, 2006
Tampa - You are in my thoughts and prayers...Mike and yourself played a major role in my personal journey to faith. I am forever grateful.
Sharon Crites
April 16, 2006
Dearest Tampa,
We are so sorry for your loss. We love you and Mike so much. You both have blessed us with your music and praise since coming to HCC! We will always be here for you, Tampa.
With much love and many prayers,
Colin and Sharon Crites
Lauri and Tyler Esposito
Tom, Debbie & Clay Hoffner
April 16, 2006
Over lunch in February, Mike told me that if his diagnosis should soon take his life, he would "be in Heaven before I was." It is comforting to know he claimed such blessed assurance. I look forward to the day when he can teach me to play!
May Our Lord bless you, Tampa.
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