Andrew Lawrence Murphy of Westhampton died after a brief illness on May 30, 2017, at Kanas Hospice Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was 92.
Mr. Murphy was born on October 7, 1924, in Brooklyn to Paul D. Murphy and Rosemary Lawrence Murphy. He was raised in Rockville Centre where he met the love of his life, Jane (Ferguson) Murphy. They were married for 63 years.
Mr. Murphy was one of 11 children, which included his brothers and sister, the late Paul D. Jr., the late Rosemary (Owens), the late Jack; and his stepbrothers and stepsisters, the late Lawrence, the late Eleanor (Schratweiser), the late Daniel, Marguerite (MacKenzie), Peter, Joseph, and Marie (Mc Dermott).
A passionate outdoorsman from a young age, Mr. Murphy earned the rank of Eagle Scout with a Gold Palm. He attended Chaminade High School, where he was the trumpet soloist at his graduation in 1942. Mr. Murphy then attended Villanova University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1945. Subsequently, he served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the 26th Class of the U.S. Naval Reserve Midshipmen’s School at Columbia University. Upon graduation, he was stationed at the top secret Naval base on Solomons Island and assigned to the “Acoustical Mines Counter Measures” section doing experimental work with electronics, sound, light and magnetics in support of the Allied amphibious invasion forces during World War II.
Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Mr. Murphy decided to forgo a career in engineering to take over the management of D.P. Murphy Company, Inc., the family business, when his father became ill. For many years Mr. Murphy supported his stepmother and his younger siblings. D.P. Murphy Company, Inc. was founded by his grandfather and has supplied printing, religious supplies and services to Catholic parishes for more than 140 years.
Mr. Murphy retired as chairman of D.P. Murphy Company, Inc. in 1990 and relocated to his longtime summer home in Westhampton. He enjoyed a full and active retirement for 27 years with his beloved wife, Jane. Together they traveled the world, and enjoyed many years of golf at Westhampton Country Club, where Mr. Murphy was a member for 55 years. Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Murphy engaged in many passions including saltwater fishing, skiing, bird watching and photography. He was an enthusiastic participant in the Water Mill Bridge Club and an active member of several local birding groups.
Mr. Murphy was a direct descendant of Captain James Lawrence, who coined the famous naval battle cry, “Don’t give up the ship!” during the war of 1812.
In addition to his wife Jane, he is survived by six children, Andrew L. Jr. and wife Tammy of Maryland, Kathleen and husband Jim Solberg of Connecticut, Paul D. and wife Lisa of Rye, Tricia and husband Ken Rosen of Massachusetts, Brian J. and wife Elizabeth of New Jersey, and Mary Burke of New Jersey; grandchildren, Christina Murphy Martinelli, Michael Murphy; William, Courtney, Caroline and James Solberg; Chris, Tom and Conor Murphy; Katie, Michael, and Nick Rosen; Ted, Charlie, and Matthew Murphy; Megan and Dan Burke; and seven great-grandchildren.
A funeral service took place on Monday, June 6, at the Immaculate Conception Church on Quiogue, followed by a military burial at Calverton National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Kanas Center for Hospice Care, c/o East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978, or online at eeh.org/ways-to-give.
on Jun 12, 2017