Dr. Robert J. Murphy

Robert J. Murphy passed away peacefully at home on January 22, 2024, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Robert, affectionately known as "Murph" to family and friends, was the only child of John and Mary Murphy. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Murph graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1959. Four days later he married his sweetheart, Kathleen Klemz.

After receiving his PhD from Carnegie Mellon University, Murph moved the family to San Diego in 1964 and began his teaching career at San Diego State University, where he remained until his retirement in 1997. He was called upon as an expert engineering witness in court cases so often that Llyod's of London offered him a job doing exclusively that. But Murph's love of teaching was greater than the lure of a higher salary and he turned them down; and his students loved him just as much in return. Murph was presented with the outstanding faculty award 5 different times for Most Influential University Professor.

Murph's love of cars was apparent early on. He bought a 1955 MG TF in 1960 and began racing that year. He attended racing school and was a member of the Sports Car Club of America. He built a Formula Ford racing car that he enjoyed racing for many years. He was also an avid reader, enjoying science fiction over all other genres; passing on his love of reading to his children and grandchildren.

Murph and Kathy enjoyed the outdoors and began camping with the family in 1967 in the vintage bread truck he converted into a motorhome. In 1973 they upgraded to a Travel Queen RV and the family began camping in earnest every chance they got. From 1995 to 2007 Murph and Kathy were campground hosts at Bridalveil Falls Campground in Yosemite National Park.

Above all, family was the most important thing to Murph, he was a loving and devoted husband and father. He was also a loving and devoted father figure to six nieces, family spouses, and many neighborhood children.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Kathleen Murphy, their four children; Colleen, Dyane, Daniel, Erin, and their four grandchildren; Zeb, Mandy, Haley and Carlina.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in his memory to the Yosemite Conservancy at the following

https://yosemite.org/giving/gifts-in-memory-honor/