Barry Murphy

Barry Murphy, 53, passed away unexpectedly on May 25, 2023 at his home in Rio Vista, CA.  He was born on 02/19/1970, in Gilroy, CA, the son of Gerald Edward Murphy and Naomi Steinmetz and grew up on the family’s ranch in Hollister, CA.

Barry attended Pacheco and Spring Grove elementary schools in Hollister and then attended San Benito Joint High School, graduating in 1988, Summa Cum Laude, taking honors courses. Furthering his education , he attended the University of California San Diego in La Jolla, graduating in 1993 with a BA in general biology. He also completed 2 years of 4-year night course at Lexington Law in San Jose, CA.

Barry spent his childhood helping on the family’s ranch with their animals along with the apricot, walnut and tomato crops.  He was a member of the Ausaymus 4-H Club and participated in FFA in high school.  He also loved playing Little League baseball.

During breaks from college Barry wound cook at The Cozy Cup Cafe and he was quite the chef. Barry was a journeyman plumber and worked his way up to Project Manager/Supervisor with Sanchez Inc. in Hollister.  Most recently he was a Production Associate with Tesla Motor Inc, in Fremont, CA.

Barry was an awesome skier and snowboarder, but golfing was his real passion. His competitive drive kept him always wanting to improve his game. He was very proud of his pictures with Fred Couples & Payne Stewart from Torrey Pines.  Barry was an avid 49er fan and never missed watching the red and gold play!! His favorite player was Jerry Rice. He would like to rub it in to his friends anytime the Giants beat the Dodgers and attended numerous games.  He also enjoyed hiking and backpacking.  He went on many trips to Reno & Las Vegas with his sister and always was the life of the party!!  He was an expert at many card games but blackjack was his favorite

Barry loved his son Cody and they attended Sharks games and Barry was so proud when Cody got a signed hockey stick!  Though, going to amusement parks and playing video games was fun, their passion was animals and they loved dogs!Everyone knew he was a smart guy. Barry was generous with his time and knowledge and had the gift for gab!

Barry recently lived on the Oregon coast for a short time. This is where he discovered his “artistic self”, working on many driftwood projects at once. The neighbors were envious of his pieces and stopped over to see the next work in progress on a regular basis. Barry enjoyed the company and shared a lot of laughs with his long time and good friend Angela Wood.

Barry is survived by his son, Cody Murphy, of Reno, NV, his sister Brooke Murphy and his mother Naomi Steinmetz of Gilroy.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Gerald Edward Murphy of Tres Pinos and his paternal grandparents Edward & Geraldine Murphy of Hollister and his maternal grandparents Elmer & Virginia Steinmetz of Gilroy.

The family takes solace in knowing that Barry is now reunited with his childhood and best friend Tommy V. Martin and asks that anyone wishing to make a donation in Barry’s memory donate to The Tommy V. Memorial Scholarship, 1192 Fallon Rd., Hollister, CA 95020. Attn: Janeane Williams

A celebration of life is being planned and friends can check this link for further announcements. Please check his Facebook page or use this link.