Search by Name

Search by Name

Dennis Murphy Obituary

PLAINFIELD - Dennis Alan Murphy of Plainfield, died Nov. 29, 2010, peacefully at his home. He was born Jan. 19, 1934, in Plainfield, N.J.

He received his bachelor and master degrees in music from the University of Wisconsin and holds a doctorate in ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. He taught for many years at Goddard College and subsequently for the Governor's Institute on the Arts, and influenced and inspired many generations of students, friends and colleagues.

Dennis was a member of numerous musical groups, including the Fyre and Lightning Consort, the Nisht Geferlach Klezmer Band and Still Friends. He played a large variety of modern and historical instruments (many of which he built) and was a noted composer. He is particularly well known for his work with Javanese gamelan music and is credited with building the first set of Javanese gamelan instruments made in the United States. For many years he directed the Plainfield Village Gamelan, for which he built all the instruments and composed much of the music.

Dennis also wrote poetry and was an award-winning artist and photographer. His interest in linguistics led him to develop several artificial languages, one of which he used in his music written for gamelan and voices. One of his most beloved projects was his Cantata "A Perfect Day," which combined his compositions for voices and instruments with his poetry as the libretto and follows the cycle of the seasons, the hours of the day and the stages of life. He will be remembered fondly by the music community for his genius, his sweetness and his whimsical sense of humor.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 50 years, Pat Murphy; his daughters Shawn Lane of California and Ellen Oberkotter of New Hampshire; his brother Michael Murphy of Alabama; five grandchildren and one great-grandson.

A memorial celebration of his life will be held Jan. 23, 2011, at 2 p.m. in the Plainfield Town Hall.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Argus on Jan. 4, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Murphy

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

David Pansegrouw

February 3, 2011

Lots and lots of respect and love to Dennis Murphy and all his family. I went to Goddard during the 1970s. Never took a class with Dennis but saw him perform numerous times and his music still touches me.

newton baker

January 23, 2011

As a teacher at Union Elementary School, Montpelier, I first met Dennis when he brought his Gamelon and Shadow Puppets to our school for a performance. He inspired me to start my own classroom work with shadow puppets. I got to see more of his performances at Goddard and also enjoyed his performances several times with Poet Geof Hewitt and Musician Chuck Meese. This too helped inspire activities I shared with students. Dennis was a man of such energy and charm that to meet him once was to want to be around him forever. I will miss him greatly and my thoughts are with his family.

Renette Procopio

January 10, 2011

Dear Pat and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose a loved one no matter what the circumstances. Hold on to all the good memories, keep him in your hearts and he will live forever. I lost my mother on December 23rd and this is what I’m trying to do. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as you are in mine.
:-) Renette

Steve Meltzer

January 7, 2011

I'm a former student of Dennis' at Goddard College where I took many of his classes in the mid to late 70's. He was my music mentor and friend. He helped me build several instruments including two marimbas and various kalimbas. I remember Dennis fondly all these years later playing in the Gamelan and reciting Indian vocal music. He was a huge influence on my musical career where I studied at Creative Music Studio in Woodstock and then later became interested in electronic music but always incorporating the world asthetic. I still have a picture of him playing Gamelan which I proudly display in my home.
Steve Meltzer
Rockaway, NJ

Sean Bradley

January 4, 2011

Ellen and Shawn,
I am very sorry for the loss of your father. I know that regardless of
our age, this is not an easy thing to accept. My thoughts and prayers
are with you and your family.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Dennis Murphy's name

Memorial Events
for Dennis Murphy

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Dennis's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Dennis Murphy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more