John Murphy

Obituary of John Christopher Murphy

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John C. Murphy, 63, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital – Somerset.

Born to the late Timothy and Dorothy Murphy, John was raised in Clark, NJ. A graduate of ALJ High School, John went on to study at Brookdale Community College after graduating in 1979. Growing up, baseball quickly became a large part of his life. Playing as a child, through high school and into college, he continuously built his pitching career. He was even scouted by several Major League Franchises to play for their Minor League teams. In his junior year of high school, he and his father traveled to Florida to try out for the New York Yankees, but turned down an offer to play in order to finish school. However, through the years, he continued to support the Yankees as an avid fan.

In 1980, John joined the Elizabeth Fire Department where he worked for two years as a rookie fireman until a life changing incident altered his career. These two years were held close to his heart throughout his life. He then went on to work for the USPS in Rahway for 26 years before leaving the job in 2010.

John was a devout catholic. He was an active parishioner of St. Helen’s Roman Catholic Church for many years. He will be remembered for his generosity, not only to the church, but also to animals, often donating to various animal charities. He was also a people person. As someone who often wanted to be heard, and share his life story, he knew it was important to listen to others, and hear their story, a lesson he taught to those around him.

Predeceased by his parents and brothers, Dennis, Timothy, Jr., and Vincent, John is survived by his sisters, Kathleen Uhrin and her husband Frank of Piscataway, and Mary Makowski and her husband Edward of South Plainfield. He will also be missed by his nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a host of extended relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held at McCriskin – Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ, on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 5 PM to 8 PM.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 1571 Martine Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ, on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 10:30 AM. Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home prior to mass, beginning at 9:15 AM.

Cremation services will be held privately. John will be inurned with his family in St. Gertrude’s Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ASPCA, in John’s name.

Thursday
6
February

Visitation

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday, February 6, 2025
McCriskin – Gustafson Home For Funerals
2425 Plainfield Avenue
South Plainfield, New Jersey, United States
908-561-8000
Friday
7
February

Funeral Mass

10:30 am
Friday, February 7, 2025
Immaculate Heart of Mary
1571 Martine Ave
Scotch Plains, New Jersey, United States
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John Murphy

In Loving Memory

John Murphy

1961 - 2025

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