Alan J. Murphy

Hertford resident

Alan J. Murphy, passed away on Friday, Feb. 18, 2011, after a long, hard fought illness. Alan resided in Hertford, but lived many years in Virginia Beach, Va. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Betty J. Murphy. He was the loving father of Brennan A. Peterson and husband, David, of Virginia Beach, Casey C. Rawles and husband, Donald, of Kill Devil Hills and Cullen O. Murphy of Virginia Beach. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Wesley Rawles, Taylor and Kendall Peterson; his niece, Caitlin McCabe; and nephew, Sean McCabe; his devoted sister-in-law, Julie McCabe and husband, Dr. John M. McCabe, of Winston-Salem; and brother-in-law, Joseph M. Simpson of Virginia Beach. He is also survived by a sister, Geraldine McCaffrey of Worcester, Mass.; as well as several other nieces; and nephews, both locally and in Massachusetts. Alan was the son of the late Edward F. Murphy and Mildred Brennan Murphy of Worcester, Mass. He was born on April 15, 1931. He was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Owens; brothers, Warren P. Murphy and Edward F. Murphy Jr. Alan was a member of Veterans of Underage Military Service, the American Legion Post #1981 and the 82nd Airborne Assoc. He served in the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army. He was a parishioner of St. Anne's Catholic Church in Edenton. Alan retired from Capt. Bob's Restaurant in Hertford. He made many friends while working in the restaurant business over the years, in both Virginia and NC. He was a natural at the grill and his breakfasts were the best. The family wishes to thank the many friends and neighbors for their kindness during Alan's illness. Special thanks to everyone at Community Home Care and Hospice in Elizabeth City for their compassionate care and dedication. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. in St. Anne's Catholic Church, Edenton, with Fr. Thonh Nguyen as Celebrant. He will be entombed at 3 p.m. in Princess Anne Memorial Park on Great Neck Rd., Virginia Beach. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Catholic Social Ministries, 123 W. Market Street, Hertford, NC 27944 or the Albemarle Food Bank, Online condolences may be sent to the family through www.swindellfuneralhome.com. Swindell Funeral and Cremation Services of Hertford is serving the Murphy family.