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Obituaries / Southampton Press / 2295185

Phyllis Veronica Murphy of Hampton Bays Dies August 8

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Phyllis Veronica Murphy

Phyllis Veronica Murphy

authorStaff Writer on Oct 7, 2024

Phyllis Veronica Murphy of Hampton Bays died on August 8. She was 88.

Born on February 20, 1936, she spent most of her life in the community of Paradise in Hampton Bays, waking up each morning to the picturesque views of Shinnecock Bay from her home at the Hobbystones estate.

She was a loving wife, mother, sister, and loyal friend. She was first married to Robert Kent Utsch, who predeceased her. She later remarried to Gary Robert Murphy, who also died before her. Her family was a blended one, including her daughters Joanne Ferreira and Paula Hoshyla, and her stepsons Sean Murphy and the late Gary Murphy Jr.

Throughout her life, she held various career roles, including as a Ma Bell operator, waitress at the Hampton Bays Diner, bank teller, school bus driver and coach, and estate caretaker. She also devoted many years to running a daycare out of her home.

She was the oldest sibling of the Irish Hickey clan, and is survived by her sisters Eileen Rittman, Patricia Kissane, and Gail Ertel; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; as well as 20 nieces and nephews.

Her life was dedicated to glorifying God and sharing the grace of Jesus with all those she encountered, her family said, noting that she was renowned for her selfless, sacrificial spirit and her ability to make everyone feel welcomed and loved in her presence.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on October 12, from 2-4 p.m., at the Southampton Full Gospel Church in Southampton. Services are being handled by the Scott-Rothwell Funeral Home in Hampton Bays.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any charitable donations be made to Mission Reach Out Haiti through the Southampton Full Gospel Church (missionreachout.org) or to the Jacksonville Women’s Rehab in Jacksonville, Florida (jacksonvillewomensrehab.com).

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