Donald Bruce Murphy

Donald Bruce (Don) Murphy, 85, of New York City, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026 after a long illness.

Don was born on April 26, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York. In 1950, Don relocated with his family to Chappaqua, New York. He graduated from Horace Greeley High School in 1957 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University in 1962.

Following his graduation from Yale and six months of military service in the United States Army National Guard, Don began his professional career at Bankers Trust as an Analyst. After two years, Don decided to pursue his Master of Business Administration which he earned from Columbia University in 1966. He joined Brown Brothers Harriman & Co in 1966 as a College Trainee in the bank's investment division. Over the next 17 years, Don served in various leadership positions across the Bank's investment activities and was appointed a General Partner in 1983. Additionally, he was named Chairman of the Bank's Stock Policy Group and Partner -in-Charge of the Equity Research Group.

In later years, Don transitioned from his line management responsibilities to general management of the Bank serving on its Executive Committee. His tenure at Brown Brothers spanned nearly 60 years - an extraordinary legacy of dedication and leadership. Former colleagues remember him as a man who balanced seriousness with quick wit, offering both strategic counsel and levity as needed. His influence on the institution and those around him remains deeply appreciated. Don retired from active management in 2005, transitioned to a Limited Parter in 2015 and remained a Limited Partner until his passing.

In addition to his professional career, Don was extremely generous with his time and resources. He served as a director of International Institutional Services, Inc., a director of the Near East College Association, a director of Smile Train, a Trustee of the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, VT and a Trustee and Treasurer of the Sofia American Schools. Additionally, Don's philanthropic efforts extended to cancer research and life-saving facial surgery initiatives.

A devoted sports fan throughout his life, Don watched his beloved, though sometimes tortured, New York teams with unwavering enthusiasm - from the Brooklyn Dodgers to the Giants, Mets, Rangers and Knicks. He was also an avid history buff.

Don was devoted to his family - always at the ready with wise counsel, a kind word, a witty retort and a heart full of love. He was committed to bringing family together ensuring strong and lasting bonds despite geographic distance. For his family, the enormous loss will never be filled but the cherished memories he made possible will be treasured always.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers that helped Don during his illness. In particular, there are not enough words to thank Napoleon Antunez, Don's aide, who has lovingly and compassionately cared for Don for the past several years. The comfort he brought to Don and his family are immeasurable and the family will forever be grateful.

Don is survived by his wife, Cynthia; daughters Kristina Leslie (Reid) and Kathleen Nittolo (John); grandchildren, Lindsay Damiani, Ryan Leslie, Michael Leslie, Jake Nittolo, Robert Leslie and Grace Siegle: great-granddaughter, Diana Peer; sister Maureen Gormley (Chuck); nephew Josh Milnes; step-daughters Nancy Caulfield and Jennifer Caulfield; step-grandchildren Sarah Bottino, Ava Bottino, Breckin Caulfield, Hayden Caulfield and Finley Caulfield; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Emily and Thomas Murphy.

A Celebration of Life and reception will be held on April 25, 2026 at 3:00PM at the Yale Club of New York at 50 Vanderbilt Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.