Easton, Maryland
Happiest at the Helm
For all of Christopher Murphy's impressive accomplishments on land (Yale B.A., Emory J.D., William & Mary M.B.A., budding inventor), he was probably most comfortable on the water, with a smile on his face, and a Bob Marley tune pulsating on deck.
Mr. Murphy was the captain of the Yale sailing team, and he had an easygoing and egoless style that classmates still recall fondly. He raced a sailboat across the Atlantic after graduation. He also taught teenagers how to sail as a longtime instructor at a program called Sail Caribbean.
"There was something about Murph that was so comforting," said Dr. Bradford Burke Worrall, a classmate of Mr. Murphy's at Yale and Emory. "He was the sort of person you'd want at the helm of anything."
Mr. Murphy, 35, had just started working at an investment bank in New York, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, but he planned eventually to do most of his work from his new home in Easton, Md. That way, he would be closer to his wife, Catherine, and their two young daughters, Hope, 2, and Hannah, 5 months. And closer to a sailboat, too: already, Mr. Murphy had done a lot of sailing this summer with the children. Hannah was learning to sail before she could walk.
Dear Hannah and Hope-- On this 24th anniversary of the unimaginable events that took place on 9/11, I am remembering your father, my cousin, and both of you, as I continue to keep all of you in my prayers and heart. Love, Martha Murphy
Martha Lynn Murphy
September 11, 2025
Hannah and Hope-- I first met your father, my cousin, at his baptism celebration at your grandparents' house in Woodbridge, CT. Please know I continue to keep you in my prayers on this day and always.
Martha Murphy
September 11, 2024 | Family
Hannah and Hope, life is opening up to both of you. Thoughts and Prayers follow each of you through this moment in time. Know that you both are thought of every day.
Janet McNeil
September 12, 2023 | Clemson, SC | Friend
Hannah and Hope, please know I think of you both always, but you hold a special place in my heart on this particular day each year--sending you my love.
❤
Martha Murphy
September 11, 2023 | Winston-Salem, NC | Family
Hannah, Hope well girls, another year has passed and the pain is still raw. I think of you both often, knowing you have grown into beautiful young women. Hannah, now out in the business world, Hope about to enter another grueling year of college (I am joking), but through all of this, the two of you have become strong, powerful examples of what your Dad was. Always know there are people rooting you on in life!!!
Janet McNeil
September 11, 2021 | Clemson, SC | Friend
Hannah and Hope--I am remembering your father, my cousin, and you both on this day. I can't imagine how much you miss your father. Please know you both, your father, and our family remain in my thoughts and prayers every day, but especially today. I know your father is watching over you as you both grow into all he knew you would become.
Martha Murphy
September 11, 2019 | Winston Salem, NC | Family
I miss and love you so much. I wish I could talk to you.
April 21, 2019
I am looking for Hope or Hannah Murphy. One of my coworkers found a sterling silver bracelet at our local goodwill with their fathers name on it and the letters WTC. I was not sure if it belonged to them or a family member. I thought I would let them know. You can contact me on Facebook (Maddi Fay) or Instagram (madalyn_fay) just to make sure it is actually his daughters so I can send it to you. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Madalyn Fay
March 02, 2019 | Winston-Salem, NC | Acquaintance
love you.
September 12, 2018