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John Murphy Obituary
The Rev. William Beaudin, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Middlebury, was the celebrant.
Connie Wilcox was the organist and the soloist was Cara White. Bagpiper was Darren Colomb.
The eulogy was delivered by former Vermont Speaker of the House Ralph Wright.
Private burial followed in Pleasant View Cemetery. Graveside prayers were offered by Fr. Beaudin and the Rev. Romanus Igweonu, pastor of Church of the Annunciation.
Bearers were Barbara Grimes, Ralph Wright, Jeff Strong, Bill Tuomisto, Harry Gruber and Chuck Craig.
Honorary bearers were Gov. Peter Shumlin, U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, Jeb Spaulding and other state dignitaries.
A reception took place at D.J.'s Restaurant.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Murphy
Ron Pickering
November 14, 2020
Murph is missed by working Vermonters, missed by all of his friends. John will be forever be a good friend. I learned a lot from him during my tenure as President of the AFL-CIO.
Lauren, Michael, Alex and Erin Coleman
November 29, 2011
Aunt Flo, Johnny and Wanda - was so sorry to hear about Uncle John. I'm so sorry I didn't hear before his services. Our hearts are with you all.
Cherry Hopson
November 27, 2011
I never met Rep. Murphy and I never lived in his district, but I once called him to commend him on a position he took on school administration. I began by saying, "I am not one of your constituents." He responded, "You are as much my constituent as anyone else in the state of Vermont," a comment I never forgot. He took the time to discuss the issue with me, and I ended by saying, "I wish I could vote for you--and I'm a Republican." We need more politicians who care more about people and issues than about votes. My sincere sympathy to all of Rep. Murphy's family and friends.
Donna Hendee
November 27, 2011
To the Murphy family, I met this gentleman in the 70's at an event in Rutland - from that time on we were part of his group. As we came to know him better in our trips to Montpelier it was obvious why everyone relied on "Mr Murph" he took care of /helped everyone no mater what the political affiliation or cause. Bet he gets a charge out of me going back-up the hill- now, for the same reason he first got me going..Donna Hendee
Cosmetologist
Laura Wyman
November 27, 2011
Murphy Family, We are all sadden by Johns passing. He was indeed a wonderful man in every meaning of the words. God holds a special place in his kingdom for men like him.
Laura (Hyjek) Wyman and family
Lorraine Zigman
November 27, 2011
My deepest sympathy to all of John's family. He was, indeed, the champion of labor and equity for all in the work force. I remember fondly participating in the March of Dimes Ride-In, snowmobiling from Weathersfield to Plymouth State Park. Of course John was there grilling hotdogs and, I think, burgers for all the participants. He was a man who stood up and was counted in supporting many, many causes.
Hold fast to all your wonderful memories of him, a most remarkable and energetic man who stood for all the right things.
Andy Snyder
November 23, 2011
I have had no greater honor in my life than to have served in the Vermont House of Representatives with John Murphy. My sympathy and warm thoughts are with his family, community and the entire state of Vermont.
Nanette Benoit
November 23, 2011
Dear Martha, we're saddened to hear of the loss of your uncle. Keeping you and yours in our thoughts and prayers.
Nanette and Virginia
Janet Ancel
November 23, 2011
I got to know John Murphy when I worked for Legislative Council. He was passionate, kind and principled and he always used those virtues to look out for the "little guy." I remember working with him on a bill to protect the right to dry -- hanging laundry -- and he and I had some good times trying to address the many concerns that bill raised. Vermont has lost a treasure.
Steve Balch
November 23, 2011
Dear John Wanda--Anges are in heaven and this I no is true but ur dad was a angle of the earth because he touched our lives and will me missed by all
Steve Balch
Jan Sherer
November 22, 2011
Flo, John and Wanda.....what a great loss! A patriot in every sense of the word and a great friend to Bill and me for so many years.....he will be missed.
Robert Cody II
November 22, 2011
Thank you for Fwd John's obituary...He was an incredible man. I am thankful for the time we had together on the Lemon Law board. I thoroughly enjoyed his sense of fairness; his humility & his humor. I will miss him very much.
John Manahan
November 22, 2011
Needless to say I was saddened by the news of John Murphy's death. I can honestly say that some of the best days I have had were those spent sitting next to John Murphy on the Lemon Law board. When Bob would ask us to identify ourselves and John would say "John Murphy....consumer!" you knew immediately what the man was. I don't think I ever met anyone more sincerely concerned for the 'little guy' than John Murphy. I know I'll miss him, but I also know I'm glad to have known him,
Patty and Jay Clark
November 22, 2011
The end of an era. John was a man of wisdom, compassion, understanding, generosity and a burning desire to "set things right". Cherish and take comfort in your memories and pride in all of his accomplishments. He will be missed.
Barbara Calhoun
November 22, 2011
Flo, Wanda and John, there are so many sharing your loss.
For years, and years, when I saw John Murphy I knew I was home.
susan shangraw
November 22, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mr. Murphy and Son John Cooking
Spence & Sue Williams
November 22, 2011
John and Wanda,
We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad.
Our hearts and thoughts are with you.
Your happy memories that last forever will help you through this sad time.
May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends.
Jill Tofferi
November 21, 2011
John and my Dad, Harold Tofferi, grew up together and were lifelong friends. I remember hearing about some of their boyhood adventures when I was a kid. John was a wonderful friend to my Dad, and made our community and this State a better place to live by his tireless efforts through the years. He will not be forgotten. My deepest sympathies.
dave watson
November 21, 2011
john stayed at our house in montpelier for several years,when in session. we enjoyed many conversations about hunting and our deerherd.he and gordy stafford had some entertaining conversations at our house. our condolences to his family.
Tim&Bar VanZandt
November 21, 2011
Flo and John,Sorry for your loss. The General was quite a guy. He put a number of people "into a tight pair of shoes". A Real Vermonter who fought hard for minimum wage, and for short trout. I can hear StPeter now... Where is Murph? What is he up to??? Our prayers are with you.
paul poirier
November 21, 2011
John Murphy was one of the people I first respected when I arrived at the statehouse as newly elected legislator in 1981. He was the voice of the working person and I am a much better person for having known John Murphy. My thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Scott and Jean Grover
November 21, 2011
Flo,John, Wanda our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ludlow won't be the same without him. He was a wonderful man.
Margot & Mark Martell
November 21, 2011
John, Wanda and family, So sorry for your loss. Your Dad will not be forgotten. He was so many things to so many people. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Ron Pickering
November 21, 2011
When I was elected President of the VT AFL-CIO, my predecesor Ralph Crippen said there was one man I had to be introduced to, and that man was John Murphy. From that day forward John and I struck up a friendship. I knew if there an issue coming up which dealt with working families/labor, we could ALWAYS count on the "General". God Bless you and God Bless your family.
Ron Neronsky
November 21, 2011
John was certainly a huge supporter and good friend of the Vermont National Guard. I always enjoyed his visits to the Ludlow Armory when I worked there.
My deepest condolences to his family.
Norrie & Kathy Hoyt
November 21, 2011
We'll miss John very much.
john j. zampieri
November 21, 2011
john...was a friend to me and my wife for over 35 years. i served with him in the vt.house for 20 years and also on the uvm board of trustees. he was the champion for the important issues for the children, and working men and women of vermont. he and his wife spent several winters in florida with us. spending time fishing trying to catch the big one! also eating fresh strawberry short cake and telling stories about our legislative days.... he will be dearly much remembered and missed. proud to have him as a friend.
November 21, 2011
Condolences to Flo and John Jr. Another Ludlow treasure has left us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Time will dull the pain of loss but it can not rob us of our cherished memories. Earl Washburn
November 21, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. John will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful man and really did all he could for the people.
Barb Grimes
November 21, 2011
Flo, John Jr. and Wanda:
I will miss my friend. He was many things to many people but family came first, then loyalty to friends and supporter for those who needed him.
Steve Graves
November 21, 2011
Condolences to John's family. I'll never forget John's bbq'ed chickens with his special butter and vinegar basting sauce. Rest in peace, John.
Will Hunter
November 21, 2011
There will never be another politician like John Murphy. He taught me and many others volumes about politics. He was passionate, funny, and ever so clever in making the process work for the working people he loved. I feel so lucky to have been his student and friend for nearly 40 years.
Tom Little
November 20, 2011
I knew John as "General" Murphy, for his longstanding Chairing of the House Committee on Housing and General Affairs. He helped me out, kindly, in my first year in the House, and was also candid with his opinions but aware that after a floor fight, you live to work together another day. My sincere sympathies to all of the Murphy family.
Cheryl Bowker Wendt
November 20, 2011
Flo and John Jr. I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of John, I have many fond memories of him. We had such good times at my parent's house and other places. He will always be remembered for his BBQ chicken. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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