Joseph B. "Joe" Murphy Jr.

MURPHY, Joseph "Joe" B., Jr. Joseph B. Murphy, Jr. "Joe" of Niantic, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, (August 5, 2009) surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 13, 1938 in Buffalo, NY, the son of the late Anne Hurley Murphy and Joseph B. Murphy Sr. He graduated from Bates College where he was awarded an athletic scholarship and lettered in football, basketball and baseball. In his senior year he was elected captain of his basketball team. He obtained his Masters of Science in Education and Certificate of Advanced Study Degrees in Educational Administration from the University of Hartford. A lifelong educator, he began his career as a math teacher before becoming an administrator. Joe's passion was helping adults throughout the state of Connecticut earn their GED. He spent many years as the Director of Adult Education of Southeastern, CT where his programs became the standard of excellence for the state. Most recently, he was the Executive Director for the Connecticut Association for Adult and Continuing Education (CAACE). In 1994, he received the CAACE Leadership award for his outstanding service and commitment to adult education. In his free time, Joe enjoyed coaching, skiing, golfing and tennis. He was often found attending one of his grandchildren's sporting events cheering quietly on the sidelines. One of his greatest pleasures was skiing with his family and experiencing the beauty of the mountains of Bolton Valley, VT. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Anne Zocco Murphy; his three daughters, Pamela, Karen and Lauren; two sons-in-law, Patrick and Ed; four grandchildren, Jacqueline, Zachary, Sophia and Edwin; his sister, Katherine Murphy Ward and her husband Carl of Millbury, MA and his sister-in-law, Josephine D'Orsi of West Hartford. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be missed tremendously by all. His family wishes to thank Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut for their extraordinary care, Amy and Matt Katz from Tidelawn Manor in Westbrook for their kindness and generosity and the numerous caregivers for their help and support during Joe's illness. A special thank you would also like to be extended to William Juzwick and his wife Mary Lou, for all their love, friendship and assistance. Calling hours are from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, August 10, in St. Agnes Church, Haigh Avenue, Niantic. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe's memory to Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut, 227 Dunham Street, Norwich, CT 06360 or to CAACE Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 339, North Haven, CT 06437. Please visit www. neilanfuneralhome.com for directions or to sign the family's online guestbook.