GERALD G. MURPHY

I am George MacNaughtn, WHS classof '65, forner student of American Hiatory by 'Mr.Murphy' (as he was called with some reverence then). Eventually, I too taught American History for some years, off and on, from 1980 through 2023. It's quite certain that Mr. Murphy inspired me to become a Teacher after age 30, returning to college at the University of New Mexico to get my Degree in Education. I recall with great clarity Mr.Murphy's stentorian delivery, interspersed with drool remarks,...

I am all at once so sad to hear of Gerry's passing and so so very grateful to have had the gift of knowing and learning from Gerry. So many of us were inspired by our time with Gerry to be the kind of thinkers and human beings who see the world as it is and yet to know our time here is meant to make this world a better one. What a treasure he was and his legacy will always be. Thoughts and prayers to his family and dear friends (dear Goddards atop that list).

Gerry Murphy was so much to so many kids who had the "luck" to have him as a teacher going through WHS. A solid, genuine man who was truly gifted in connecting with his students. My prayers go out to his family and friends and I speak for the class of '67 in saying "God's peace" to a guy who really made a difference in our lives.

Jerry Murphy was inspirational! I had him as a teacher in Wellesley Junior High. The class room became alive with his engagement with his students. Most of all, he was a true original and kind human being.
Deborah Crockett-Rice Dennis Ma

Mr. Murphy was my Drivers Ed instructor and History teacher - he was one of the ones you never forget - Rest In Peace Mr. Murphy, and thank you!
Susanne (Walsh) Manning WHS'86
Nashville, TN

Gerry, "Mr Murphy", was an indelible influence on my life. I met him through the "Humanities class" he co-taught with Jeanie Goddard, and they both opened doors to learning for me. During that senior year and all through subsequent life, Gerry's friendship and humanity were by my side. We would get together periodically, and I always looked forward to seeing him at our reunions, or a football game. I was shocked and dismayed to learn of his passing. I have lost a friend.

I last saw...

Gerry was my Drivers Ed instructor and there was never a dull moment debating my Yankees vs his Sox. I know he was beloved by many. My sincere condolences to his family.

Tom Wilson
WHS 1971

Mr. Murphy (Murph) was my American History teacher at WHS in grade 11, as I recall. He was such a fun guy and great, inspiring teacher of History, I went on to love and teach the topic myself in Secondary Schools both in California and NM.

Finally got a chance to thank him personally for this 'inspiration' in my own life at our WHS65 Fiftieth Reunion. He was there (!) and gave a greatly humorous presentation in the 'new auditorium' regarding the current status of various Faculty...

Celebrating the memory of an extraordinary person who touched and inspired the lives of everyone he met, especially the thousands of students he taught and mentored. Gerry's life was dedicated to planting trees to bear fruit for future generations. He embodied the Jewish concept of tikkun plum, repairing the world in his humble way