Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1939
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Richard Murphy Obituary
Vero Beach - Father Murphy's Funeral Mass Arrangements:
Father Murphy's visitation will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Thursday, June 4 from 4:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 6:00 p.m.
Father Murphy's Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 5th at Noon. The Funeral Mass will be private with family, staff and clergy in attendance. If you would like to view the Funeral Mass you may do so by visiting a clickable link
posted on The Holy Cross Catholic Church website: www.holycrossverobeach.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Murphy
Sponsored by Strunk Funeral Homes and Crematory - Vero Beach.
P&E Engel
September 26, 2022
We should all be Honored to have know him, and his values!
Winston (Ridge) Hardy
October 17, 2020
He was an absolutely wonderful man. He would gently give me a pat on the back and ask me how I was doing. I believe he was a true priest and will be rewarded now!
Rob West
September 23, 2020
Forever missed and never forgotten, called back home.
Brooke Lynch
August 9, 2020
Father Murphy was a wonderful Priest......we were blessed to have him.
God Bless Him!
Joe Caulfield
June 13, 2020
A great friend throughout our years in Wexford. Rest In Peace Dick.
Don & Joan Moore Family
June 6, 2020
Dear Father Murphy was always there to shine the light of God and His Grace on the important moments of our lives. We will forever remember all the Sacramental moments shared with Padre, from Baptisms to Last Rites and Funerals, and all the celebrations of life and friendship in between. Rest In Peace good friend and good shepherd. Our love for you endures evermore. Love, Don & Joan Moore Family.
Pat and Marty Feely
June 5, 2020
So many great years with you Father Murphy. Thanks for all you did to keep us on the straight and narrow....Rest now. In heaven with Our Lord....
Ciarán, Helen, Lorcan & Riona Stewart
June 5, 2020
RIP Uncle Dick - I have such lovely childhood memories of you staying with us in John's Road - the smell of aftershave and Kent cigarettes. You always seemed such an exotic character from another, more sophisticated world. In days when people didn't rent cars, you rented a car. I even have a dim memory of a Polaroid camera - such wizardry in the monochrome Ireland of the '70s. I have very fond memories of you marrying Helen and I in London in 1993 and making the ceremony complete with your attendance. One of the last times we were together was at a Navan get-together in a Chinese restaurant - it was a great night and you had a great knack( along with Debbie) of bringing the family together for these events. Your celebration in the Talbot in Wexford a few year ago is still the last time that we had the greater Murphy clan altogether in the one space - we all still look back on photos and videos from that night and talk about how we must do it again...
Your devotion and loyalty to your home town of Wexford is truly amazing - The People paper was always a must-read.
Reading the comments here make me realise how much you were loved and respected by everyone with whom you came into contact.
On behalf of my family and my Mam and Dad, Catherine and Eben, may you rest in peace. Go gently into the night..
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
Fr. Murphy officiating our wedding.
Kara Roy
June 4, 2020
I was so sorry to hear about Fr. Murphy. He was a dear man, and he impacted so many in his own special way. We were fortunate to have heard him preach, as well as having him officiate our wedding several years ago. He will be dearly missed!
Jeanne & Richard Mennona
June 3, 2020
May you Rest In Peace Father. You are missed.
John & Mary Berrigan
June 1, 2020
May He rest in Peace
Ronan Stewart
June 1, 2020
RIP Uncle Dick. Your summer visits to Ireland, as we were growing up, were always a highlight. Verity & I were honored and delighted that you were able to come to England to marry us. I am attaching a fun photo of when we visited you a few years ago, pictured are my parents, Catherine & Eben & my kids, Anna & Finn and of course the dogs ! It was great for us all to be able to meet up and spend a lovely day together.
Reading through all the many comments here shows what a lasting legacy you have left.
Rest in peace.
In loving memory of a dear friend
LINDA AND CHUCK FREEBOLD
May 28, 2020
We met Father Murphy when he served as a priest at Sacred Heart Parish in Lake Worth. He has been our friend since then, and we have many fond memories of our times together. RIP Dear Friend
James and Jacqueline Cole
May 11, 2020
2Timothy 4:7. I have fought the good fight, Ive finished the race, I have kept the faith.
You gave yourself away until you had nothing left to give.
You made a difference in all our lives.
With love,
Jim & Jackie Cole
Patrick keay
May 3, 2020
Father Richard Murphy...A Good Shepherd and Loving Pastor ...He lives in our hearts and will always be with us until we meet again ... Please Pray for us Father... May Gods Peace rest upon your soul and may our Blessed Mother Mary be with you always...Agape,
Patrick Joseph Keay
Patrick Keay
May 2, 2020
Father Murphy...A Good Shepherd and Loving pastor ...He lives in our hearts and will always be with us until we meet again ... Please Pray for us Father... May Gods Peace rests upon your soul and may our Blessed Mother Mary be wilt you always...Agape,
Patrick Joseph Keay
Mark Schmalz
May 1, 2020
Fr. Murphy was a sweet, kind man with a warm heart and open mind -- an excellent pastor. Many prayers for comfort to his family.
Maruchy Lachance
April 22, 2020
My favorite people of faith are the ones that are funny because it proves that God has a sense of humor and he had his very best spread His word. We have so many stories about you and I am so blessed that I was able to share those with you a few years ago. We had plans to see you again but now I'm going to just pray to you all the time. Much love to all who love and will miss you. Love you Fr. Murphy! Eric and Maruchy
Father Brendan Meaney
April 20, 2020
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.....To the right hand of God go his faithful soul. Rest In Peace Richard. Your fellow classmate St. Peters Wexford 6/6/1965. Father Brendan J. Meaney Cherry Hill NJ.
Mary Lee, Nickolas and Morgan Hatton
April 20, 2020
We are truly blessed to have known you all these years. Your kind, friendly and compassionate leadership will be greatly missed. We pray the Lord brings comfort and strength during this time of sorrow to the family and staff at Holy Cross Parish. An angel on earth and an angel in heaven.
Alberta Weisberg
April 17, 2020
Thank you for your service Father.
Diane and Bob Herson
April 14, 2020
We are deeply grateful for having Father Murphy all these years. He elevated our spirits, strengthened our faith, and enriched our souls.
We thank you, Father Murphy, for helping all of us see the light on your way to paradise.
Christina Craighead
April 13, 2020
Rest in heavenly peace and pray for us.
Maureen Gill
April 12, 2020
Dear Father, You took good care of my husband, Colm Gill, before his death in 2007. You and he were boyhood neighbors (Colm born in Galway 1936).
l pray you are sharing the joy of heaven with him. Gratefully, Maureen
Glisker family
April 12, 2020
We will miss you Father Murphy very much . We have known you for many years.
May you Rest In Peace .
Patricia Glisker
April 12, 2020
I will miss you very much. So very sad to hear of the passing of such a kind , caring person. May you Rest In Peace .
Anita & John Rutkoske
April 11, 2020
Dear Father Murphy, You are now singing with the angels in Heaven and in the company of our great God the Father, His Son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We have been so blessed to have you as our pastor, our confessor and our teacher and until we meet again , "May God hold you in the palm of His hand". Our Irish Blessing to you.
Robert &kathleen Horak
April 11, 2020
We will miss you!.we know you will have a special place in heaven ,hope to see you there
Kathleen Ledwith
April 11, 2020
You were dear to the hearts of many. You will be missed.
Ed Marley
April 11, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Jean, Richard, & Emily Stewart
April 10, 2020
We will miss you Father. May you now rest in peace. Our deepest sympathies to your dearest friends and family.
Dick and Pat Burgoon
April 10, 2020
Father Murphy not only was a excellent pastor for Holy Cross, but he was a leader in the Vero Beach community as well as the Diocese of Palm Beach.His work will be missed by many.
CAROLE LOVEJOY & family
April 10, 2020
many years of fond memoriesThank you for being a friend to me always.
Joan Hutton
April 10, 2020
He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. He is definitely soaring with the angels.
Pat Gorman
April 10, 2020
Father Murphy will be greatly missed. His dedication to the Holy Cross Parish was truly exemplary. My sincere condolences to Father's sisters and to Fathers team in the Holy Cross office.
Linda Reed
April 9, 2020
I will miss his Irish brogue, his sense of humor and his love of saying Mass
Bernard Schmitt
April 9, 2020
Knowing that you with our Almighty Father and the angels
Ann Kosco
April 9, 2020
Father was a wonderful pastor of our parish for many years. He was dearly loved and will be much missed.
Joanne/Tom Balshi
April 8, 2020
We have been attending Holy Cross Church for several decades and nearly full time since we retired in 2017, so have been privileged to grow in spirituality beside this wonderful priest. His Irish humor was delightful, his charisma was contagious and his spirituality was such a beautiful, engaging flavor. He made us better people by having known him. He was a wonderful shepherd and we shall miss him very much. May he rest in peace in the arms of Jesus.
Nancy chanay
April 8, 2020
Father Murphy was not only my priest he was one of my friends. He and I talked a lot about football...Ohio State football. However, most importantly, he was the priest who baptized me, confirmed me and gave me my first Eucharist at the age of 62 on November 22, 1998.
Lynn Ramsier
April 8, 2020
O God, Thou didst raise Thy servant,
Fr. Richard Murphy,
to the sacred priesthood of Jesus Christ,
according to the Order of Melchisedech,
giving him the sublime power
to offer the Eternal Sacrifice,
to bring the Body and Blood of Thy Son Jesus Christ down upon the altar,
and to absolve the sins of men in Thine own Holy Name.
We beseech Thee to reward his faithfulness
and to forget his faults,
admitting him speedily into Thy Holy Presence,
there to enjoy forever the recompense of his labours.
This we ask through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord.
Amen.
Bev La Penna
April 7, 2020
Our very dear Fr. Richard was a wonderful priest and Christian example for all of us. He will be greatly
missed at Holy Cross and within the community. Few knew of all of his good works and concern for the
needy. May we all learn from his lessons of humbleness and generous spirit. Truly Fr. Richard was a
man who lived to serve God every day and in every way.
His passing has left a hole in my heart. RIP our wonderful pastor.
Michele Sloan
April 5, 2020
A good caring devoted priest will b greatly miissed
Willilam Lamoureux
April 5, 2020
We will always miss you, Father, as our dear pastor. You were an inspiration to us in health as well as in sickness.
You never wavered in your friendship and service to your parishioners. Rest in peace, Father Murphy.
Elaine Ingrisano
April 5, 2020
A wonderful pastor always so good to the Womens Guild
Mary Jane & Joseph Martuscelli
April 4, 2020
You will always be with us in spirit and will be sadly missed. As parishioners of Holy Cross we will always remember you and your wonderful sermons.
Joe and Josephine Rolenc
April 4, 2020
Rest peacefully in the arms of our Savior. You will always be loved and remembered by our entire family.
Val Stone
April 1, 2020
Dick Murphy was a classmate of mine at St. Peters College, WEXFORD , IRELAND and was a great friend for many years.
I would like to offer our sincere sympathy to Margaret & Catherine on their sad loss.
Kay Rocha
April 1, 2020
Father Murphy welcomed me into the Catholic faith six years ago . He was kind, supportive patient and encouraging . I will miss him greatly. He was a man of few words who taught volumes with his prayers and his actions.
MaryFrances Kovacs
April 1, 2020
Rest In Peace sweet pastor. GodBless
Patricia Quinn
April 1, 2020
So terribly sorry of your passing though I was a new parishioner within 2019 youll be missed. Love ly person. Were sure your totally in the arms of Jesus now. GodBless restinpeace
Thank You,<br />Mary Carrow
Mary Carrow
April 1, 2020
Thank You
Richard Marcus
March 31, 2020
Fr. Murphy enjoyed life because he cared about people. He will not only be missed in our parish, but also throughout the Vero Beach community.
Michael and Kerrie Cantwell
March 31, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
March 26, 2020
We will never forget you father, Thank you for all the amazing things you have done for our families over many years You truly were a gift from GOD. Amy and Ellen Carter
Kenneth and Susan Williams
March 25, 2020
You are going to be missed by everyone. Your in pease now with our Lord.
Kathleen Archino
March 25, 2020
Father Murphy was a great friend and compassionate priest who helped my parents tremendously, while they lived in Vero Beach. My maiden name is Murphy and that was an introductory bond between my parents and Father Murphy. My mother passed a little over 3 years ago and Father Murphy celebrated her funeral Mass. For my parents, Loretto and Bill Murphy, I thank you and want you to say hello to my mom for us. Peace.
Cindy Lincoln
March 24, 2020
Father Murphy was a dear friend to me and my family. He performed marriages, baptisms and funerals over the 49 yers we have known him. My Mom worked at the Ascension Rectory where our life long friendship began. I loved golfing with him. Father had a great smile, an infectious laugh and loving arms. We were blessed by his love and his strength. He was always beside us. Rest Father, we love you.
Sean McGuinness
March 24, 2020
Fr Richard was one of lifes true gentlemen. We performed our musi for him and Debbie for about 15yrs. Always a pleasure and great memories. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis. RIP Fr. and may the Angels take care of you.
william cooney
March 24, 2020
Father Richard Murphy was a very good leader of a hightly successful parish in Vero Beach and was a great credit to the Diocese of Palm Beach.
Georgianna and Earl Goodnough
March 24, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. You were a wonderful Pastor well loved by all. May you rest in peace
Kidz Closet Charities
March 24, 2020
Father Murphy was an amazing man and a great advocate for Kidz Closet Charities. We truly appreciate everything he did. May the family find peace and comfort at this difficult time. We pray for you all.
BRENDAN LINNANE
March 24, 2020
A wonderful human being
Ceil Mcguffey
March 24, 2020
Fr. Richard Murphy was a wonderful priest and dedicated Pastor. His Love of God and his faithful service to God and His Church and his people was always evident.
May He have an Eternity of joy and peace in his Heavenly home. We love him and miss him. Dave and Ceil Mcguffey
James Butler, Jr.
March 24, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
"May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields
and, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand."
James Butler, Jr. KM
James Haigney
March 24, 2020
What a wonderful ,kind man, generous and open-hearted. He will be sorely missed.
Jim Haigney and Tim Sanchez
Marguerite and Robert Trebnik
March 24, 2020
May you rest in peace and always be remembered as a truly loved priest by your parish family. I will miss seeing you in your golf cart and greeting us after Mass.
Katie Pirrung
March 24, 2020
Father Murphy was always so gracious and kind to my parents Ed and Eileen Parisen as well as to myself. May he always look upon us all.
Eileen Parisen
March 24, 2020
My heart is so sad at our loss.
Patrick Murray
March 24, 2020
May you Rest In Peace Dick. We grew up in County Wexford and attended seminary together. I have great memories of our summers together at Fr Gauls Boys Camp in Carne by the sea. You have been a good and faithful servant. My sincere sympathies to your sisters and family back in Ireland.
Roy Barnett
March 24, 2020
Father Richard was a tower of strength and an image of Our Lord Jesus Christ. He had a great sense of Irish humor and was always accessible to his congregation that loved him. Father you will be sorely missed, especially at the trying times we now see ourselves in. Please pray for us and intercede with the Blessed Mother on our behalf until we join you in Paradise. Amen.
Susan Stearns
March 24, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We are grateful for all of the guidance you provided our mother (Mary Daly) and serving at her funeral. The Daly Family
John Markham
March 24, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful Irish priest and friend, with common ties to St. Brendan's in Miami.
Art & Laurianne Alston
Laurianne Alston
March 24, 2020
I will always remember Fr Murphy fondly and with deep gratitude for what he did for me when I first moved to this area & was alone , had emergency surgery due to a perforated colon & subsequent colostomy and also what he did for my beloved Dad who is now deceased when he came to live with me & eventually needed placement in a facility. Fr Murphy is in heaven now enjoying his permanent home free of illness suffering &
Pain.! May he Rest In Peace as he enjoys his eternal reward! Loved him dearly & will miss him tremendously. He was a priest whose greatest attribute was his philanthropy & caring for the less fortunate.
Laurianne (LaFleur) Alston
Ritamarie Pietrowski
March 24, 2020
May you rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus. You will be missed.
Noreen Davis
March 24, 2020
Father Murphy will be missed more than words can ever express. He was always so positive and truly loved his dogs! On behalf of The Arc of Indian River County, we will all miss him and are especially grateful for his naming The Arc in his memory at our greatest hour of need. Sincerely and with much love, Noreen Davis and Heather Dales
Brenda Winterton
March 24, 2020
May you rest in the arms of Our Dear Lord, Fr. Murphy, for you Eternity. My deepest sympathy to all his loved ones in Ireland, those at Holy Cross Parish Office, and all his friends.
Maryanne Wegerbauer
March 24, 2020
One man - so much good, for the parish and the community, and for our world. Rest in peace, Fr. Murphy.
Donald Johnson
March 24, 2020
You guided me in many difficulties and gave me a calling to become a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. May you enjoy the comfort and blessings of Heaven. I hope I have the privilege of seeing you in Heaven.
Peace,
Kathleen Johnson
Christina DeFalco
March 24, 2020
Our Lord opened the gates of Heaven welcoming His devoted son and servant Father Murphy with whom He is well pleased! Father welcomed us to the Holy Cross family graciously and lovingly. We are so grateful to Father Murphy for helping us raise our children up in the way they should go, and he did this with kindness, compassion and patience. May the wind always be at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, may the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
We miss you Father- our gentle giant!
With love and deepest sympathy,
Christina, Bernard, Steven, Lauren and Genna DeFalco
Fr. Francis Reardon, P.E.
March 24, 2020
Dick was my Pastor for three years and I found him to be a very fair-minded man. He had a really generous heart for God's poor and his personal outreach to them was most often done in a very quiet manner while he moved his congregation to also be attentive to God's poor. No glory for Dick. He was humble in a wonderful manner. He was a keen and able leader in both practical and spiritual matters. He loved life, he loved the people whom he served, he loved his friends, fellow clergy, family and above all, he loved our God. Rest in the Eternal Presence, Richard.
Julie Pape
March 24, 2020
It truly hurts my heart to hear that Fr. Richard Murphys' journey here on earth has ended, however, he will continue his journey in heaven with God, and watch down on us in many ways. He was such a kind man and made me feel very welcomed and proud to be a member of Holy Cross. He ALWAYS, said, 'Hello' to me EVERY single time I saw him and I will miss seeing him drive the golf cart to church, he seemed so happy. May he rest in peace with God forever.
Kathi & Paul Gamba
March 23, 2020
Father Murphy married Paul and I, baptized our children and was a wonderful man, great golfer and friend to our family! We were blessed to know him. The world has truly lost a wonderful person.
Marge & Bob Ercoli
March 23, 2020
We will miss our friend, pastor and neighbor-love chatting over the fence as the dogs ran around him God Bless and pray for us from above.
Edward Raffel
March 23, 2020
As a snowbird from Long Island, I attend Mass at Holy Cross every Sunday while in Florida. Father Murphy was in my opinion, a very Holy and wonderful priest. The church is always packed, wonderful priests under him and when you leave Mass, you always come out fulfilled. May the Lord receive him with open arms.
Betty and Lewis Polk
March 23, 2020
We will miss your spirit of caring for all, regardless of social position or religious afiliation.
March 23, 2020
Fr Murphy was a great preacher and leader of Holy Cross. We will miss his masses and sermons. Loved the brevity . We have lost a good man. Barbie Horton
Avis Daly
March 23, 2020
The most wonderful person I have ever known you will be missed. Thank you for your thoughtful ways and your wonderful words of advice. Rest In Peace.
John Giudice
March 23, 2020
He was a very loving man .I loved his homilies .we will DIFFENTLY miss him .
Patte Green
March 23, 2020
May God hold you in the palm of His hand. Many wonderful memories as you guided our family through many years at St Joseph Church and School. RIP Father Murphy
Michael Faulkner
March 23, 2020
I met Fr. Murphy when I was a seminarian at St. Vincent de Paul Major Seminary in about 1973. I was assigned to pastoral duties at Ascension Catholic Church where he was pastor. Fr. Murphy was a positive influence in my life as a young seminarian. He took care to see that I had whatever was needed to help him on weekends and holy days in the parish. He was very generous to me in so many ways. Though I did not become an ordained priest for the diocese Fr. Murphy and I continued correspondence across 47 years. I always received a hand written Christmas card from him. I visited with him numerous times during his pastorate at Holy Cross as I have family who live in Vero Beach. He never failed to welcome me with open arms. He insisted I call him Dick though I always deferred to Fr. Murphy out of respect for his office. I will miss our correspondence. Fr. Murphy was a positive influence in my life and the lives of many other people whom he served so generously.
Bob & Linda Hale
March 23, 2020
Rest In Peace Dear Father Murphy
Charles and JoAnn OReilly
March 23, 2020
RIP you good Irish man.
Cheryl Kelley & Family
March 23, 2020
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Father's family and friends. He will be missed after so many years at Holy Cross Church. God rest his soul and may all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace, amen!
Marg Putzke
March 23, 2020
I'm saddened to lose a wonderfully compassionate pastor and boss. As he used to say, "his probation period is over" and he ran the good race and kept the faith. May he be at peace with his heavenly boss! He will be missed by so many.
Showing 1 - 100 of 107 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Murphy's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Murphy
Funeral services provided by:
Strunk Funeral Homes and Crematory - Vero Beach916 17th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Murphy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
