Robert Emmett Murphy

Robert Emmett ("Bob") Murphy passed away on December 29, 2024, at his home in Lake Forest, IL. with his wife of 51 years, Kathleen, by his side. Bob was 79 years old.
Bob was born in Chicago, IL on April 7, 1945. The third of four children of Margaret Loretta Brant and Thomas Francis Murphy, Bob was raised by his Mother with the support of her sister, his Aunt Marie Brant, in a three-flat brownstone in Rogers Park, IL. Bob attended St. Henry's School, Loyola Academy, and Loyola University School of Business, where he discovered that he was a "natural" for sales and marketing. It was the unique combination of Jesuit ethical and intellectual training that laid the foundation for Bob's successful career after graduation, both during his pivotal experiences as a LTJG in the Navy during the Vietnam War and afterwards.
December 15, 1971, was a day that changed Bob's life: he met Kathleen Morris at a Santa Claus Anonymous party in Chicago. On July 28, 1973, Bob and Kathleen were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lake Forest, IL. Three years to the day after they met, on December 15, 1974, their first daughter, Colleen Marie, was born. Over the next six and a half years, Bob and Kathleen welcomed John Patrick (1976), Kevin Robert (1978), and Mary Beth Kathleen (1981). Bob and Kathleen's love remained strong and deep throughout their long marriage. Family was always first in Bob's life.
In December 1971, Bob also entered the industrial packaging industry, eventually founding Murphy Packaging, Inc. in 1978. Bob served as President of Murphy Packaging for the rest of his life, steering its growth throughout North America. Murphy Packaging, Inc. was a source of tremendous pride and purpose. Another source of great pride was that Kevin worked with him and will continue on the legacy of Murphy Packaging.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Thomas Francis Murphy, Jr. and sister Patricia Murphy. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his children, Colleen (Paolo Gardoni), Jack (Amanda Murphy), Kevin, and Mary Beth (Andrew McNerney); and ten beautiful grandchildren (Abigail, Brookes, Connor, Drake, Peter, Patrick, Dillon, Madeline, Siena, and Brennan); his brother Richard Murphy; and is further survived by other relatives and friends. Abigail and Connor are 4th generation Loyola Academy Ramblers today, with younger grandchildren waiting in the wings.
A visitation will be held at 9:30am until the time of Mass beginning at 11:00am on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Road in Lake Forest. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afv8b0ncmO4
Interment will be at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery, Fort Sheridan, IL.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Bob's name to Loyola Academy. Donations can be made online at goramblers.org/give or sent to Loyola Academy, 1100 Laramie Avenue, Wilmette IL 60091. Your generosity will help continue Bob's legacy and his commitment to Jesuit education.
To view the Mass program, please click on the following link: https://rtfunerals.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/ExternalSharing/ETIs9_U3AVVPndfi4dY0i48BsQ_1M0UxH_GfJfhDpu3g_Q?e=m750mF
To view the Prayer card, please click on the following link: https://rtfunerals.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/ExternalSharing/Ecj89LvWatVInIPgchaJ3qYB3Yo4J-CWxhtvxUv8uPrxfQ?e=9lztff
Arrangements entrusted to Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest. For more information, (847) 234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com.