Daniel T. Murphy

1942 - 2026

Daniel T. Murphy

October 23, 1942 - January 30, 2026

Daniel T. Murphy, 83, of Richmond, Va., passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Joan W. Murphy, and his parents, William D. Murphy and Katherine J. Murphy.

He is survived by his brothers, Mark W. Murphy (Linda) and James J. Murphy (Sarah); his nieces, Deborah Salley, Cynthia Ficara, and Megan Murphy; and his nephews, Andrew Murphy and Brian Murphy. He was a devoted great-uncle to Gabrielle, Hannah, Emma Grace, Harris, and Katherine.

Born on October 23, 1942, in Birmingham, Ala., Dan was raised in southern New Jersey. He was a graduate of Villanova University, earning his Bachelor of Arts in 1965 and his Juris Doctor in 1968, followed by a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Columbia University in 1969. He married Joan on August 29, 1970.

Dan devoted his life to the study, practice, and teaching of law. After several years in private legal practice in New York City, he joined the faculty of the University of Richmond School of Law in 1976. He served on the law faculty until his retirement in 2012, becoming a tenured Professor of Law in 1982 and later being named Professor Emeritus. He taught Contracts, Business Associations, and International Law, and was deeply committed to his students and to legal education. He also served as the law school's first Associate Dean for Academic Affairs from 1981 to 1992 and twice as Interim Dean, providing steady leadership during times of transition.

Dan had a great devotion to international education. He served for 25 years as Director of the Law School's Cambridge Summer Study Abroad Program at Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge, and for more than a decade as Director of International Studies. After retirement, he continued teaching international law and took great pride in the Cambridge program, now in its 50th year. He received the University of Richmond's Distinguished Educator Award and was elected to the American Law Institute. He will be remembered for his intellect, integrity, and lifelong dedication to his students and colleagues.

Beyond his professional life, Dan was an avid reader and writer who enjoyed reading The New York Times and The London Times daily. He and Joan cherished their home in Richmond's Fan District, where they lived for 37 years before moving to Westminster Canterbury in 2013. They shared a love of travel and explored destinations around the world, and they treasured time at their vacation home in Wyoming. In their younger years, they enjoyed backpacking, primarily in the Wind River Mountain Range; in later years, they found joy in fly fishing and time spent in the mountains. Above all, Dan cherished time with his family.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Richmond on March 20, 2026, at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow at Westminster Canterbury. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Richmond School of Law or to the Westminster Canterbury Foundation, 1600 Westbrook Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227.

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