Ronald Charles Murphy Jr.

Ronald Charles Murphy Jr. of Phoenix, AZ, passed away peacefully Friday, December 9, 2005. He was born August 26th, 1926, in Augusta, ME. Ron's strength of character was shaped through challenges in his early years, which propelled him to many great achievements through
out his life. With $26.00 in his pocket, Ron left Maine in 1945 to work for Fred Harvey, arriving at Bright Angel Lodge in Grand Canyon, AZ in 1948. In 1952, he served in the Korean war as a Counter Intelligence agent for the United States Army. While there, Ron volunteered at the Irish Catholic Mission helping those displaced by the war. After his discharge in 1955, he was proud to attend Arizona State University using the Veteran's Bill of Rights, he earned highest Honors of Distinction when he received his Bachelor's of Education in 1957, and his Master's of Education Administration in 1959. At this time, Ron married Kathryn Kueny, and had a daughter, Mary Kathleen. Katie preceded him in death in 1970. He married Dr. Mary Sugrue, and along with her daughter, Mary the four of them lived, traveled, and shared many happy years. Two of Ron's greatest passions were supporting Education and Veteran's rights. He taught history at Washington H. S. in the Glendale Unified High School District and in 1963, he became an Administrator, rising to Assistant Superintendent. He helped develop special programs for career education, Indian education and drop out prevention. Ron joined the American Legion Glendale Post 29 and went on to become Post Commander, then State Commander in 1970. In 1991, Ron was Elected National Vice Commander of the American Legion. Additional honors bestowed include: Province Chairman of Arizona-New Mexico Catholic Students in Public Universities; for which he was a recipient of the John Henry Cardinal Newman Award; Chairman of the Westside United Fund; Cofounder Glendale Historical Society; Legislative Chairman of the Arizona School Administrators Association Westside Unit President and State Legislative Chairman of the Arizona Association of School Retirees and Glendale Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year. Ron was named to the Arizona Veteran's Hall of Fame, and he was recognized by the National Retired Teachers Association for community service. He served as legislative advocate for Veteran's in various Local, State and National capacities, supporting the Unified Arizona Veteran's, the Arizona State Veterans Home and the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona up to his death. Ron was a devoted and loving family man who instilled his passion for learning, laughing and a love of travel in his grandchildren. He was ever present to ensure that life was an adventure, both fun and educational, for his entire family. Ron is survived by his wife of 35 years, Mary; two daughters, Mary Kathleen Boss, and Mary Ashley; son-in-law, Bruce Boss; and six grandchildren, Chelsey Boss, Angelo Boss, Ronald Boss, Kyle Boss, Kevin Ashley and Michael Ashley. He will be missed dearly, deeply and daily. His good work will continue through all of us. Funeral services will be held at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church 3140 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix on Friday, December 16, 2005 at 10:00 AM. Interment will be at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Arrangements handled by Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the All Arizona School Retirees Association (NRTA) Scholarship Fund 302 N 1st Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85003. (602) 253-5597.