John "Murph" Murphy

John "Murph" Murphy
1965 - 2026
Goshen, CT
John "Murph" Murphy, a loving husband, brother, son, uncle and legendary racecar driver passed away unexpectedly on January 3, 2026, at the age of 60. Born at St. Francis Hospital in CT on March 12, 1965, Murph's life was defined by hard work, dedication, and an unshakeable love for his family and racing.
John grew up in Bolton, CT and attended East Catholic High School in Manchester, CT where his commitment and devotion even at a young age earned him the achievement of Eagle Scout and a Private Pilot rating. He and his younger brother Jerry developed a mutual passion for speed, racing and performance. Testing and honing their set up, modifications, and racing skills with AFX cars, Pinewood Derby cars, Hot Wheels, and eventually a matching pair of 1969 Chevelles as their daily drivers.
His passion for racing started early and if he wasn't driving his notorious dark green 1969 Chevelle and later his deep water blue 1967 Camaro, he was tearing it up winning NESC motocross races and accumulated enough points in a single season to advance from Novice to Amateur status. His career quickly progressed as he moved on to race cars and competed in over 60 SCCA races before the age of 35 in the Regional Formula Continental Series and National Formula Atlantic Series. Murph's talent was quickly apparent when he won the 2000 SCCA NE Division National Championship in Formula Atlantic and set the track record at Pocono Raceway in 1999.
After having already established himself as an icon in the racing community, John worked for the Skip Barber Racing School where he met the love of his life; Jennifer (Werner) in 1999, they married in October 2004. They settled in Goshen, CT close to their home track Lime Rock Park, and doted on their beloved Dachshund rescue Wile E. "Love and Marriage" was something that Murph loved and was even the entrance song for their wedding.
He continued to build upon his racing career as a NASCAR driver in the Busch North and K&N East Road Racing Series. He then continued to dominate in Endurance Series Racing where 1st in Class was a regular occurrence. Murph was an incredible driver and coach. Through his instruction and patience, he had a profound impact on those around him. He was masterful in the skills of advanced driving, racing, testing and car set up. He was truly an inspiration to so many.
When Murph wasn't running a program, on the Proving Grounds, coaching for Lime Rock Drivers Club, or working with private clients around North America, he stayed busy ripping around on mountain bikes, road bikes, dirtbikes, snowmobiles, playing hockey, building and flying RC cars and planes. In his "Semi–Retirement", he thoroughly enjoyed doing yardwork on his tractor, tuning and re-tuning his chainsaw for top performance or restoring vintage Chevy's. He was impossible to keep up with on a mountain bike and succeeded in his goal to pull the front wheels off the ground in his Pro Street bright yellow '68 Camaro. Through his cherished '06 C6 ZO6 velocity yellow Vette, Murph will live on.
John was predeceased by his parents, Edward G. Murphy and Mary Ann (Bickel) Murphy. John is survived by Jennifer, his devoted wife of 21 years; his brother, Dr. Gerard "Jerry" Murphy (wife Jennifer); nephews, Kyle and Connor; Uncle Richard Bickel (Robin); cousins, in-laws, and niece and nephews. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, expertise, and unwavering love, which continues to inspire all who knew him.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 1 - 4pm at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted, CT. Donations can be made to: The Little Guild Animal Shelter, 285 Sharon Goshen Turnpike, West Cornwall, CT 06796. There will a celebration of life at Lime Rock Park in the Spring, date, time and details to be announced.
Murph may be known for his attention to detail and ability to shave fractions of seconds with anything that has wheels, but it is his steadfast love, witty sense of humor and confident smirk that will be so sadly missed.