Search by Name

Search by Name

Philip Murphy-Sweet Obituary

Commander U. S. Navy Philip A. Murphy-Sweet
On Saturday, April 7, 2007, the nation lost one of its most loving people. Commander Philip A. Murphy-Sweet, 42, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., was killed as the result of injuries received by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the Rusafa District of Baghdad, Iraq.
Philip was a U.S. Naval Supply Officer stationed at the Naval Inventory Control Point Mechanicsburg. He was an accomplished Naval Officer who will be greatly missed.
Phil was a 19-year veteran with the US Navy starting his career as a Hospital Corpsman. Later, he graduated from the University of Idaho with a bachelor's degree in communications and also received his commission as a Naval Officer. Phil was a Navy Veteran of the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His current assignment was serving a six-month assignment supporting Coalition troops in Iraq
Phil's immense love was evident in the life he shared with his wife Cheryl, and their three children, Olivia, Seth and Lauren. Phil's compassion and caring drew people from all walks of life to him. Early on Phil was drawn to the Catholic Church and it was evident in his various leadership roles he held with the Naval Chaplain's Office during his career. His faith inspired him to be the husband and father he was. Phil was a source of inspiration and strength to his family and a strong leader to those who knew and worked with him.
In addition to his wife and children, Phil is survived by his father, Richard Murphy-Sweet, his mother Mary Beaver, two sisters, Anona Gonelli and Elizabeth Smith, and two brothers Arthur Murphy-Sweet and Michael Murphy-Sweet. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Catherine Maiorana and brothers-in-law, Tony Maiorana and Victor Maiorana.
Phil will be remembered as a leader - a leader on the ship, a leader within his community, a leader in his church, a devoted and loving husband, a strong and righteous father, and a beloved, cherished and deeply missed shipmate.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 2 p.m. Monday, April 16, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Camp Hill. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday in his church. Burial with full military honors will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 17. Those attending need to arrive at Arlington Administration building by 9:15 a.m.
Malpezzi Funeral Home, Mechanicsburg, is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Philip A. Murphy-Sweet Memorial Fund, c/o Commerce Bank, Attn. Sara Musti, 60 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. To sign the online guest book and further information please visit www.malpezzifuneralhome.com.
n Please sign the guestbook at www.idahopress.com, click on the obituaries tab, then click on obituaries and death notices.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Idaho Press Tribune on Apr. 12, 2007.

Make a Donation
in Philip Murphy-Sweet's name

Memorial Events
for Philip Murphy-Sweet

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Philip's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Philip Murphy-Sweet's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more