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Murphy Sabatino Obituary

Murphy Sabatino Farmer and Restaurateur Murphy Sabatino entered in to rest January 8, 2010. Born December 23, 1943 to Murphy and Josephine Sabatino, he was a lifelong resident of San Jose. He graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory in 1961 and Santa Clara University in 1965 and paid for his College Tuition by selling Fireworks during the Summer. Murphy began working at the Pink Elephant Market on King Road at the age of 11 and continued helping in various Family Businesses all his life. Murphy had a passion for starting a business from nothing and had many successful ventures of his own including a Hardware Store, a Tortilla Factory, a Delicatessen and his most well known Business, the Italian Gardens in San Jose. Most recently he acquired a vacant building in Hollister and turned it in to the Cedar House Restaurant, which received many outstanding reviews. However, first and foremost Murphy was a Farmer with a life long love for growing Cherries. Murphy is survived by Carol, his true love and Wife of 42 years, Daughter Elizabeth Smith (Michael), Son Murphy Sabatino III (Jennifer), Grandchildren Samantha, Sophia and Wade Smith and Olivia Sabatino, Sister Joanne Moul (Mike), Aunts Lucille Marks, Angie Margo, Santina Maxwell and Mary Parle, Nephews Michael and Kevin Moul, Mark, Randy and Scott Bruner, and Sean Collins, Nieces Elizabeth Moul and Shannon Tassi, numerous cousins, great nephews and nieces. Viewing will be held at Lima Family-Erickson Mortuary on Willow Street in San Jose on Wednesday, January 13th from 2:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. Funeral Mass will be held at Bellarmine College Preparatory's Leontyne Chapel at 7:30 P.M. with a viewing at 7:00 P.M. Donations in Murphy's name may be made to the Bellarmine College Preparatory Scholarship Fund or the O'Connor Hospital Foundation.

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

Published by San Jose Mercury News on Jan. 12, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Murphy Sabatino

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December 26, 2010

Dear Carol,
I was sharing Christmas with my daughter, Kim, in Oakland and her father was also there, Jim Lippi. He told me that Murphy had passed away and I was so sorry to hear that. The last time I saw Murphy was at Marge Lippi's rosary 4 years ago. It was so kind of him to show his respect that way but that was the kind of man he was, always thinking of others. My condolences to you and your family. Sue McMillan.

jorge Hernandez

August 2, 2010

dear Sabatino Family, i learned a lot from Murphy as a business man, but most importantly as a human beeing may God be with you and help you to continue his legacy.

March 29, 2010

carol and the sabatino family. i'm so sorry to hear about the passing of murphy. he was a great man and i truly love him as my friend. i was his pastry chef at the ceder house. i'm going to miss him deeply. martin garcia

Dom and Suzanne Cortese

January 19, 2010

Carol and the entire Sabatino Family,

We learned with profound regret of Murphy's passing. The bonds between our two families go back, literally, generations. Our personal thoughts of Murphy have given us a treasure of truly fond remembrances. We have shared the same heritage, lived in the same early neighborhood, attended the same schools, were members of the same parishes, participated in the same ethnic and community orgnizations, worked on the same farms, participated in the democratic process, supported the same charities, and worked to build a better community. Murphy's exemplary life was an integral part of that past. He was always there; often times doing the difficult work behind the scenes. He was a modest person of compassion, kindness and great determinaton. We can't help but recall, as he stood there before us, his full eyes in direct contact with ours,irrespective of our concern or request, saying "don't worry, I'll take care of it." We're certain that, even now, that same look is fixed on his family and his friends, with that same uninhibited expression still telling us "don't worry, I'll take care of it."

Dom and Suzanne Cortese

Marc Ravenscroft

January 15, 2010

Dear Sabatino Family,

I am so sorry to hear of your recent loss. I think back to my Harker days and have such great memories of the Sabatino family. You all were such an important part of my life growing up. Murphy Jr. will truely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless.

Naomi Schutte

January 15, 2010

I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Murphy. He was my boss for close to fifteen years. He always made me feel like part of The Italian Gardens family. I loved harvest time, when he would bring all that wonderful fruit in. I share in your grief. God be with you all.

Kimberly Faraday

January 15, 2010

Dear Carol - You are in my thoughts and prayers...I am so sorry to hear of your loss. If you ever need anything, I am here for you.... Hugs and Love.

Dufresne Family

January 15, 2010

Dear Carol, Elizabeth, Murphy, and family.

We are so sorry for your loss. Murphy was such a caring and special person, who touched so many lives in unique ways. Your family is very special to our daughter,Lisa Ball who felt so blessed to have known Murphy. May the wonderful memories that you all shared become treasures for you to save forever. You are in our thoughts and prayers, and May God comfort you during this very difficult time.

Nicol Canepa

January 14, 2010

I have known Murphy for 25 years. My mom Carol Ulloa (who passed away 4 years ago) worked with Murphy at The Italian Gardens. We did get a chance to see him alot at The Cedar House. He was a fantastic friend, worker and everybody loved him. He will be missed so much. I send my condolences to you Carol and to your children.

Mary Liz Cortese

January 14, 2010

Sabatino family, I realize what a tremendous void has been created with Murphy's passing. He helped me plan countless political events at Italian Gardens, then always checked in several times during the event to compare notes on how things were going. What a great guy. You are all in my prayers.

Dick Elam

January 13, 2010

Dear Carol and family; My sincere condolences for your loss. Although I lost touch with Babe during the last several years, I have many good memories of working (accounting) with him on his various business enterprises.

January 13, 2010

We were so sorry to hear of Murphy's passing.I've felt so bad that I lost touch with him,I always admired and respected him and considered him a good friend.May god be with your family and let him take Murphy to a better place.A friend of the family always. Rick & Angelo Lygizos Angelo's Restraunt

Looking good!

Dena De Angelo

January 13, 2010

My thoughts are with your family during this time. May warm memories comfort you all.

I always enjoyed this photo of my dad (Robert De Angelo) and Murphy. Their smiles say it all.

January 13, 2010

Dear Carol
I want to add my symmpathies for your loss. You will be in my prayers.

Dick Rupp

Lisa Ball

January 13, 2010

Dearest Carol, Elizabeth, Murphy and all of the family and friends that were blessed to have been touched by Murphy our thoughts,prayers & love are with all of you in the very difficult time. Murphy's reflection will always shine bright as it live on though all of you and if there is anything we can do please let us know. I have a heavy Heart today and I feel blessed to have been a small part of your lives. Love the Ball Family

Cousin Leonard & Barbara Espinosa

January 13, 2010

Murphy's positive and pleasant personality and friendship will be missed. His attitude toward his family was admirable. We are sorry we can't be there for his services.

ANDY PEPITONE

January 13, 2010

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Frank Fuselier

January 13, 2010

Sorry for your loss.

Ann Roggenbuck

January 13, 2010

Carol, Elizabeth, Michael, Samantha,Sophia and Wade,

I am so sorry for your loss. I know his legacy will live on and on through you, his children and grandchildren. Your passion for art, gardening, cooking and helping others is a true testament to his full life. Thank you Murphy!

January 12, 2010

Wishing peace and comfort to you all. My mother will be singing there tomorrow. I remember my years at Bellarmine fondly 1981-1982.
God Bless.
Tadd Scott (Joyce's son)

Stacey Langfledt

January 12, 2010

Sorry to hear of Mr Sabatinos passing, I got married at the Italian Gardend in 1989, In the Garden area under the waterfall then we went inside for the reception,Mr Sabatino was a wonderful Man.

Sue Rice

January 12, 2010

Dear Carol and family, I am so sorry to hear about Murphy's passing. He was a wonderful person, and had a great love for his family. He shared many stories with me while he sat on his stool at the Cedar House. I will always remember those talks. May God's love and peace be with you now and always. Sue Rice, Cedar House Host.

January 12, 2010

Dear Carol & Family,
Lois & I want to express our sorrow & sympathy for your loss of Murphy.
Always
Ken & Lois Freitas

Debbie Miller

January 12, 2010

Dear Carol and family
My heart aches for you all. I have know Babe since I was 5 years old. For the longest time I was so afraid of him he always seemed so mean. Until the day I saw a little snicker when I was helping sell cherry bells at bingo and I said something stupid and what I saw was the most gentlest man I ever met. Thanks to Babe I had a fairytale wedding. Thanks to Babe I have memories of the Italian Gardens that I will never forget.I wish I could be their. My prayers are with you. Love always Debbie Miller (Aunt Maryann's Daughter).

April Raitano-Schillaci

January 12, 2010

Some of my fondest memories are of working for Murphy at The Italian Gardens. He gave me my fist job at the Civic Center Liquors & Deli in 1977.
Murphy is a huge part of my, and my families lives. He will be missed so very, very much!

Beatriz Rodriguez

January 12, 2010

Carol, Elizabeth & Sabatino Family

Murphy will always remain within our hearts, and we have included Murphy and you in our daily prayers. May God give you strength.

Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you.

With our deepest sympathy,

Beatriz & Rodriguez Family

Kim

January 12, 2010

Murphy was a big ol'teddy bear although, I was a little frightened of him as a teenager lol. My Aunt Nancy worked for him and he brought me into the "family" that was The Italian Gardens when I was just a teenager. He created a life long circle of friends that I cherish to this day. Some of my fondest memories are of the days at the "Gardens". He truely will be missed.

BECKY DOMINGUEZ

January 12, 2010

When my husband and I ate at the CEDAR HOUSE I remember his great smile and one time he was telling us his love for his wife and family I HAVE NEVER MET A MAN THAT WOULD EXPRESS THAT TO A TOTAL STRANGERS. Death is like earthquakes you will continue to get tremors in your heart and GRIEF is very rude is does not ask to enter into your heart...there is one thing with GOD no one can ever take his soul or take the LOVE HE HAS FOR HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS KEEP THIS IN YOUR HEART ALWAYS...CRYING is the best medicine but he would say stop,I LOVE YOU ALL.HIS SPIRIT NOW IS FREE TO ROAM.

Carol Valenti Mahoney

January 12, 2010

Condolences to Carol and family. Murphy was an inspiration to us - he was kind, hard-working and a family man. We will miss him.

Linda Abronzino

January 12, 2010

Dear Carol, Elizabeth, Murphy, and families. Words cannot begin to express the sorrow in hearing of Murphy's death. He was a "gentle giant". I have been blessed by his friendship. May he rest in God's peace and may your memories of him, ease the sorrow that is in your hearts.
Please accept my sincere sympathies.
Linda Abronzino

June Guerrero

January 12, 2010

I have so many good memories of the Sabitino family. Murphy Jr. was truly a family man and loved by all. I grew up in San Jose, my best friend Lala always included me in family gatherings, this is where I learned the importance of family. Most of my memories are when I was young,but they stay close to your heart. My prayers are with Murphy's family. Love June Guerrero

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