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Paul Murphy Obituary
AGE: 77 • Middlesex
Paul M. Murphy, Sr., 77, died Saturday, January 2, 2016, at home. Born July 8, 1938, in Swoyersville, PA, he was the son of Joseph P. and Margaret Shockloss Murphy. He was a longtime Middlesex resident.
Mr. Murphy was a physical education teacher at Middlesex High School for 38 years, retiring 1998. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education from East Stroudsburg University, Class of 1960; his Master of Education Degree from Temple University in 1966, and his Principal/Supervisor Certificate from Kean University in 1981.
Mr. Murphy enjoyed a long and illustrious career as a football and wrestling coach during his tenure. As the Head Football Coach of Middlesex High School from 1972 - 1989, his teams won State Championships in 1972, 1974, 1981, 1982, and 1984. He coached 8 All-State Football players. He was recognized as Coach of the Year in 1972, 1974, 1981, 1982, and 1984.
As Head Wrestling Coach of Middlesex High School from 1960 - 1978, and 1986 - 1987, Mr. Murphy was inducted into the New Jersey Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Middlesex County Wrestling Coaches Association Century Club, having achieved over 100 wins during his career. He was recognized as Coach of the Year in 1969. His teams won county championships in 1963 and 1969, and Wrestling Conference championships in 1970 and 1971.
Mr. Murphy was predeceased by his brother, Joseph Murphy, in 1961. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Janet Jannone Murphy; his son, Paul M. Murphy, Jr., and wife Christine of Potomac, MD; his brothers, Donald and wife Jean Murphy of Harrisburg, PA, John and wife Alice Murphy of Pottstown, PA; his beloved grandchildren Caitlin and Lauren Murphy, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 8:45 A.M. Wednesday, January 6, at Hagan - Chamberlain Funeral Home, 225 Mountain Ave., Bound Brook, followed by a 9:30 A.M. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Mt. Virgin Church, Middlesex. Entombment will be at Resurrection Burial Park, Piscataway. Friends will be received at the funeral home 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. Tuesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the V Foundation for Cancer Research, 106 Tower Ct., Cary, NC 27513, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101 - 9908
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Murphy
john cella
December 29, 2022
I had plenty of laughs and good times with Paul at MHS, John Cella 1972-1979 Faculty
78
Nancy Hellriegel-Rasmussen
February 2, 2016
Dear Mrs. Murphy & Paul jr.
It was a pleasure to know Mr. Murphy. It was wonderful to see both of you at ur MHS.'68 reunion. It brought back the memory of you courting before you married.(It wasn't a secret no matter how you tried, just the way he looked at you gave it away) May all your happy memories together comfort you, Know also Mr. Murphy gave all his MHS students wonderful memories too. God Bless you. Nancy Hellriegel Rasmussen
John Ritchie
January 9, 2016
So sorry to read about MR. Murphy passing.He was a all around nice person,everyone liked him.May the LORD JESUS comfort all of you. John Ritchie Bainbridge NY
Andy Hudak
January 8, 2016
I am deeply saddened by the news of Paul Murphy's passing. I don't exaggerate when I say that Mr. Murphy had a profound impact on my life. He coached me in football and wrestling for three seasons from 1959 to 1963. Besides my father, I spent more time with Mr. Murphy that I did with any other adult during those years. He was a dedicated teacher who selflessly devoted himself to coaching, teaching, nurturing and caring for those in his charge. His caring extended beyond the classroom, gym, gridiron or wrestling mat. In my case, he reached out, on my behalf, to the wrestling coach at the US Naval Academy and arranged a visit to Annapolis for me, my father and himself. His support, I believe was instrumental in my acceptance to the Academy. I have always been grateful for his efforts and for his guidance, caring, generosity and friendship.
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to Janet, Paul, his family and all of us who were fortunate to be touched by this wonderful man.
January 8, 2016
My condolences to the family and friends. I always enjoyed Coach, he had a great way of making workouts and classes fun!
Don Versteeg
January 7, 2016
So sorry to hear of Mr. Murphy's passing. I remember both Mr. & Mrs. from high school when they were "courting"! It was so nice to see them both at our 1963 class reunion a couple of years ago. Gwen Michael Trowbridge
Patty Palazzi-Cote
January 6, 2016
Dear Janet, Paul Jr and family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I remember Murph as always having a smile and something positive to say to everyone. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Karyn Cassella
January 6, 2016
Paul & Mrs. Murphy,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. You were ALL so central to my high school years... I know words can't offer much comfort but I hope there is great peace in knowing how many lives he touched in so many ways. Thinking of you -
Janice Hill-Churchill
January 6, 2016
I was one of his most reluctant driver's ed students. I am sure I also added some excitement to those training drives. He was a patient, wonderful teacher. He will be missed so much.
January 6, 2016
Dear Janet, Paul Jr. and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry for your loss.
The Szeles Family
Nancy Reese
January 5, 2016
Mrs. Murphy,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.. Both you and Mr. Murphy had such a positive impact on so many lives. So many of my fond memories of MHS have to do with you.
Sincerely,
Nancy(Haas) Reese-class of 1965
Lizabeth Sloane
January 5, 2016
My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences on your loss. I have enjoyed having Paul as a patient for many years. I will miss sharing stories and have many fond memories of conversations ranging from football training advice for my son to hearing about his interesting travel tales. He will be truly missed.
Joyce (Figel) Evans
January 5, 2016
My heartfelt sympathy to you Mrs. Murphy, Paul Jr. and all the family on your loss. Mr. Murphy ....teacher, coach and all around wonderful individual....I loved cheering for his wrestling team matches and football games in '67 and '68...he will always be part of my terrific MHS memories. I am so glad i got to see and speak with him at our MHS class of '68 reunion a few years ago. May beautiful happy memories comfort you in your grief and keep him forever in your hearts.
Carol Lowe-Clarke
January 5, 2016
Condolences to the Murphy Family. I was in MHS Class of 1972 and Mr. Murphy was such a huge part of our school's sports program. A fine man taken too soon.
Susan Sevinsky
January 5, 2016
Paul. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
John Cella
January 5, 2016
I taught at MHS "72-78.Paul was a great one to have a laugh with and a model teacher and coach.All were better off by knowing him.Always have had fond memories of Paul.My sympathies to all. RIP Murph
January 5, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Murphy, Paul JR. and the entire Murphy family. Coach, I can still see you running the end of practice laps with us around the park. God Speed "Murph" and thank you for believing in me.
Terry Hoben 1980
Ken Bunting
January 5, 2016
Mr. Murphy was one of the best teachers and person from MHS. I remember playing " Battleship" with him in study hall back in 1963. He coached me in football through 1965 where we had an undefeated JV team and used his pass play, The Murpy Special to win a game. The world was a better place because of him and he will be sorely missed. Sincere condolences, Ken Bunting
charlie sinko
January 5, 2016
Dear Janet& family, Paul & I started teaching in MHS 1960. We both coached the freshman football team .He was a great person to work with & I saw why he would succeed in coaching. With deepest condolences on your loss.
Linda Pollard
January 5, 2016
Mrs. Murphy and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories of the wonderful years you had together give you comfort.
January 4, 2016
Mrs. Murphy, Paul and Family,
Thinking of you during this,difficult time.
Deepest Sympathy,
Marcy '88.
Bob Pearson
January 4, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Murphy family. He helped make Middlesex a better town. Thanks "Murph" for your dedication and commitment to Middlesex football and wrestling.
Richard "Dickie" Myers
January 4, 2016
Coach Murphy your legacy will always live on at MHS, not only as a great coach but as a person you could have a good conversation with. I will never forget you saying "Drive, Drive, Drive." When we would be hitting the sled at football practice. I find myself uttering those same words when my players are hitting the sled. You will be missed. RIP Murph.
Matthew Fink
January 4, 2016
Mr. Murphy was one of my all time favorite teachers. He was a wonderful man who treated his students with respect and had a wicked sense of humor. My deepest sympathies to his loved ones.
Bob Roome
January 4, 2016
My deepest sympathies. I was proud to have played football for Coach Murphy. RIP.
R. Scott Shepherd
January 4, 2016
My deepest condolences... Thank you Mr Murphy for everything you taught me... Like many others you have touched my life. May you rest in peace... Sir
Sue Novick Loosse
January 4, 2016
Mrs Murphy, so sorry for your lost. I have always thought about the two of you, as the best romance in my life!
Joyce &Thomas Giacchi
January 4, 2016
Our deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss cousins Janet and Paul, Jr. Cousin Paul was a wonderful and loving man and will be greatly missed. May God comfort you during this sorrowful time and bless you with His grace, mercy, and unconditonal love.
Troy Armenti
January 4, 2016
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire Murphy family. He taught me how to perserve and overcome any obstacle in front of me. He will be missed. May you rest in peace Coach Murphy.
January 4, 2016
Janet,Paul Jr,
With deepest condolences on your loss of Paul.He was a classmate with me at Forty Fort High School and a real gentleman. He will be missed at our reunions. God bless his soul.
Fred Proleika, Class of "56"
MHS Football Class of 1980
Terry Hoben
January 4, 2016
Susan Reilly-Mazzone-Johnston
January 4, 2016
Mrs. Murphy, Paul JR and family,
Coach Murphy touched so many of our lives in so many ways. He exemplified what a teacher and coach should be.
He will be greatly missed. Prayers of comfort and peace to all of you.
Joe Pizza
January 4, 2016
Mrs. Murphy,
So sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Murphy. Remember him fondly for treating a very inept athlete with understanding and making driver's ed stress free. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lydia Cwalinski Diaco
January 4, 2016
Janet, Paul Jr & family,
My sincere condolences on the loss of Paul. It was a privilege for me to have him as a teacher, and also to have him coach and teach my sons. God bless and comfort you in the coming days.
January 4, 2016
Remember him well from MHS and our 50th Reunion in 2112. A kind man, always a smile. Our nickname for him was "The Shamrock." He will be missed.
Carol (Smith) Ziegler
Dave Johnson
January 4, 2016
Mrs. Murphy and "little Paul"-- my deepest condolences for your loss. Mr. Murphy was a great coach, and an even better person. He has been a model for how I've conducted myself through the years. Peace.
Linda Hoski
January 4, 2016
Dear Mrs. Murphy,PaulJr. And Family,Our Thoughts And Prayers Are With You In Your Time Of Sorrow.Mr. Murphy Was A Wonderful Coach And Person At Middlesex High And Our Town. May He Rest In Peace....Fondly,The Hoski Children.Linda,Marty And Renee
Don Somma
January 4, 2016
Dear Mrs. Murphy and Family,
Coach was part of my wonderful memories of years past. My thoughts and prayers to all of you...Don Somma
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