Edward Gilpin Murphy

1924 - 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Edward Gilpin Murphy (age 101). "Ted" a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, great uncle, and friend died peacefully at home on Sunday, March 30, 2025. He was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on February 3, 1924. He was married to his lifelong love Shirley Austin for 70 years until her death in 2018. Also predeceased by his dear son Steven Lawrence in 2020, his brother Duncan Bassett, sister Margurite Mongeau (Mike), and sister-in-law Jane Scheer (William R.) He will be missed greatly by two daughters, Linda Dinger and Barbara Warman (Tim Warman); grandchildren Bethany MacLean (Tom MacLean), Gwen and Sam Warman, great-grandchildren Brian, Hannah and Jamey Fox as well as many nieces and nephews.
As a boy Ted's family spent summers at Goose Pond in Lee, Massachusetts where his family had a rustic cabin built by his grandfather. "Camp" instilled a love of nature and a deep appreciation of ancestry. For many years he worked hard on his family's genealogy and was proud of the many who had gone on before him and enriched his life as well as the lives of future generations. Perhaps his love of nature and in particular the small flat stones he skipped across the lake led him to study geology at Williams College, graduating in 1947 due to a two year hiatus after his sophomore year when he joined the Air Corp Reserves to serve his country in WWII. In 1951, Ted was called back to fight in the Korean War. As a P-51 Mustang Pilot he flew 100 Missions and received many medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Upon returning from Korea, he worked as a professional geologist. Over the years, he was employed in other fields, ultimately retiring from Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission in 1984.
Neighbors have become friends wherever he has lived which over the course of his life included 20 moves across nine states. He was vigilant about keeping in touch with family and friends both near and far. In 1972 he and Shirley moved to Rockville, Maryland from Jamestown, NY. After retirement they became firmly anchored in The Villages At Rockville, an active senior living community.
In 1989 at the age of 65 Ted began competing in Track and Field events at the Maryland Senior Olympics. He attended three National Senior Games including 2023 where at the age of 99 he was awarded gold medals in javelin and discus. Over the past 34 years, he has accumulated over 60 gold, 10 Silver and 3 Bronze medals in a variety of track and field events and has set 12 State and National records. He was a natural athlete who enjoyed the comradery with other athletes as much as the sport. In addition to his love of preparing and competing for the annual Senior Games, he was also an excellent bowler, loved playing ping pong, pool and bocce. The stack of books and magazines on any flat surface of his home reflected his love of learning. Rather than internet searches, he preferred dictionaries and encyclopedias. He was interested in the world around him and curious about everything, whether it was the names of the birds at his feeder, the definition of a word he didn't know, or what was happening in the world. He loved music of all kinds and often emerged first thing in the morning singing a tune or playing his harmonica.
Ted continued to live independently at TVAR in Rockville until the end of his life. He was a beloved friend and valued community member adding inspiration and spice to everything he did. He faithfully attended church every week in person when he could and as his health failed learned to use zoom so he could attend virtually. He loved giving and receiving cards. Those he sent were hand written and always reflected gratitude and love. Those he received were always displayed and treasured.
He lived fully and with a vitality that far surpassed his age. A celebration of life will be held on May 31, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Rockville United Methodist Church, 112 W. Montgomery Avenue. A reception will be held in the church hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, Ted has requested that donations be made to The American Lung Association.