Obituary of Arthur J. Murphy

Arthur John Murphy Jr. died after a brief illness February 6, 2015. Artie John was born in Mount Vernon, New York on March 2, 1935, son of the late Arthur J. Sr.& Anna (Kerley) Murphy. A devoted husband, he is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara Ann( Roush) Murphy. He leaves his family, Barbara Elizabeth Murphy and Michael Tyrseck and Max of New London; Timothy Murphy of Niagara Falls, NY, John and Julianne Murphy of Boston and two grandsons, AJ and Dylan; and his sister Helen of Grafton, VT. He was predeceased by his sisters; Agnes Curran & Patricia Cooperman. Artie grew up with his three sisters in Mount Vernon, left high school at 17 and joined the United States Marine Corp. during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he and Barbara were married and he joined the Mount Vernon Fire Department where he proudly served for the next 28 years. He retired from the Fire Department and moved to Essex, Connecticut. He worked at Soundings Publications in Essex until his second retirement in 2009.His interest in history and his love for learning was voracious. It ranged from an in depth study of American History, Military History, genealogy and family history. Artie collected thousands of patches from Fire Departments throughout the United States and the world. He never met a dog he didn't love and never had a bad word about anyone. He was a selfless individual of impeccable manners; he lived the life of a true Marine and gentleman. He was immensely proud of his country, being a firefighter and being a USMC veteran. He leaves the love of his life, family and his many friends and acquaintances. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, February 12th from 9-11am at Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main St. Centerbrook. Artie's Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 from Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 14 Prospect St. Essex. Interment Centerbrook Cemetery with full military honors to follow. To share a memory or condolence with Artie's family please visit www.rwwfh.com.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Semper Fi Fund 825 College Blvd., Suite 102 PMB 609 Oceanside, CA 92057 https://semperfifund.org/donate/