Michael T Murphy

Michael T. Murphy, age 85, on January 21, 2026. He was born on December 22, 1940, in Mount Hope, Kansas, to the late Clyde and Mary Murphy. One of five children, Michael was raised on a farm in St. Paul, Kansas, surrounded by many generations of hardworking farmers. Those early years instilled in him a lifelong love of the land and an appreciation for honest work - values he carried with him throughout his life. He truly loved being outdoors and the simple satisfaction of working with his hands.

In 1961, Michael proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a skilled welder. While on leave in New York City, fate intervened when he attended a Cardinal Spellman Dance and met the love of his life, Marianna. It was love at first sight. Michael was instantly enamored, and their romance began with a first date at Rockefeller Center followed by dinner at the Top of the Sixes. From that moment on, they were inseparable. Michael and Marianna were married on February 27, 1965, beginning a loving partnership that spanned decades.

The couple first made their home in the Gravesend neighborhood of Brooklyn before settling in Staten Island in 1971, where they raised their three sons. After his military service, Michael attended John Jay College and, in 1966, began a distinguished career with the New York City Transit Police.

Michael was an avid outdoorsman who found peace and joy in fishing, hunting, and hiking, especially during time spent upstate, a place that held deep meaning for him. Exceptionally handy and a master carpenter, he could fix or build just about anything. Known for his reliability and strong work ethic, Michael was always willing to lend a helping hand and looked out for everyone around him. He lived with kindness and thoughtfulness, often reminding others, 'If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all.'

A devout Catholic, Michael was a devoted parishioner of Most Holy Redeemer Church, where he was very active and deeply committed. He generously gave his time and energy to church fundraisers and community efforts. His guiding principles were simple yet profound: 'Faith, Family, and Upstate.' These were the pillars of his life.

Above all, Michael adored his granddaughters, holding a special place in his heart for them and showering them with love and affection.

Michael T. Murphy will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful servant of God, and a man of integrity whose quiet strength and generosity touched all who knew him. His legacy of faith, love, and kindness will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Michael is predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Marianna, who passed away only this past November. He is also predeceased by his siblings Patty Ast and Richard Murphy.

Michael is survived by his loving sons Anthony, Thomas and his wife Kristine, and Joseph, by his adoring granddaughters Stephanie and Elizabeth, and his caring sisters Marylin Wooster and Susan Wetta.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations are made in Michael's memory to St Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 2:00 PM -4:00 PM & 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM at Michael Hegarty & John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals located at 3377 US Highway 9, Old Bridge, NJ 08857.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Most Holy Redeemer Church located at 133 Amboy Rd, Matawan, NJ 07747.

Interment to follow at Holmdel Cemetery.