Rev. John J. Murphy

Murphy, Rev. John J. TROY Rev. John J. Murphy, 80, passed into eternal life on Tuesday evening, February 16, 2010, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Troy, Father John was the son of the late John J. Murphy Sr. and Helen Walsh Murphy. Father graduated from Catholic Central High School in Troy and he attended Siena College in Loudonville. He was in the seminary at St. Andrew's in Rochester from 1949-1951 and St. Bernard's in Rochester from 1953-1957. Father John was ordained by Bishop William Scully on June 1, 1957 at the Cathedral in Albany and his first Mass was celebrated on June 2, 1957 at St. Francis de Sales Church in Troy. His first assignment was at St. Peter's Church in Delhi as an associated pastor from 1957-1958. Father then became an associate at St. James Church in Albany from 1958-1971, then became pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Catskill from 1971-2005. Father John served 34 years as pastor at St. Patrick's, a commendation called him very visible, undaunted, steadfast, a rock who will not crumble, despite the challenges God had set before him. Father John had a familiar saying "Oh Happy Days." Father John played a significant role in the lives of the people that he met. As a priest, he had brought the word of God and had exemplified the teachings of Christ by his simplicity, sincerity and fairness to all. From baptisms, first communions, weddings and funerals, he had been a very visible member of each family. As a person, Father John was certainly unique, he was always there with a cheerful smile and warm greeting and helped to brighten everyone's day. His willingness to join in whatever needed to be done had endeared him to the hearts of all who knew him. He was respected by all denominations. He became a local legend in the Albany, Catskill and Troy areas. Father John had a summer camp in Hadley, N.Y., which he called "Hadley on the Hudson." Every year on July 4, family and friends from the Catskill and Albany areas would come together to celebrate Father's birthday. Father John, we thank you for your encouragement, spirituality and dedication, for sharing your talents and touching our lives and your sincerity as a priest, teacher and friend. Our love and prayers will always be with you. In addition to Father John's mother and father, he was predeceased by three sisters, Ann Murphy Costello, Helen Murphy Kavanaugh and Catherine Murphy Cioffi. Father is survived by a brother, Thomas Murphy; a sister-in-law, Mary Costello and a brother-in-law, Anthony (Tony) Cioffi; and many nieces, nephews; and cousins. Father John had many close friends especially Father James Vaughan and Father Richard Jacobs. The family would like to especially thank Father James Vaughan, St. Mary's Hospital, 6th floor, the cardiac unit, Dr. Karatnycky, all the nurses and the 5th floor Hospice unit for their kindness during Father John's illness. The reception of Father John's body will take place at Sacred Heart Church in Troy, Sunday, February 21 at 4 p.m. The funeral liturgy for Father John will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Troy, with Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, bishop of Albany, as the principal celebrant. Relatives and friends are invited to attend and may call at the church Sunday from 4-8 p.m. Father will be interred with his mother and father at the family cemetery lot in St. Mary's Cemetery in Troy. Contributions in Father Murphy's memory may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 310 Spring Avenue, Troy, NY 12180. Arrangements by the Bocketti Funeral Home, 336 Third Street, Troy.