Obituary: John Edward Murphy, of Orange

John Edward “Jack” Murphy, 78, died suddenly on Aug. 19, 2013, in the Hospital of St. Raphael.

He was the devoted husband of 57 years to Alice Walsh Murphy.

Born in Derby on Nov. 13, 1934, he was the son of the late John J. and Kathryn (Coss) Murphy. He had been an Orange resident for many years.

Jack was a veteran of the U.S. Navy who served his country during the Korean Conflict. He was the former President of Murphy Ford Sales, Inc. and later the general manager of the CT Warehouse Distributors. He was a Certified Commercial Flight Instructor and enjoyed flying in his spare time.

Jack had a great sense of giving back to the community. He was a past Grand Knight and a 4th Degree Knight in the Trinity Council in Woodbridge, a former board member of the Valley Chamber of Commerce, a board member and past president of the Rec Camp in Derby, a member and past President of the CT Ford Dealer’s Association, a board member of the National Air Disaster Alliance, and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Derby.

Jack’s greatest love was supporting his children’s and grandchildren’s endeavors.

He is the beloved father of Ellen DiVerniero, and her husband Steve, Susan Murphy, and her husband Ken Sokoloski, and the late John Edward Murphy Jr. He is the cherished grandfather of Callie, Hanna, and Mattie Sokoloski, the loving brother of Barbara Ford and her husband Edward, and the late Donald Murphy. He is the brother-in-law of Maureen Murphy. He also leaves several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours took place at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home in Derby. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in Holy Infant Church, Orange; burial with full military honors followed at Mt. St. Peter’s Cemetery.

At the request of his family, memorial contributions may be made to the Valley United Way, 54 Grove St., Shelton, CT 06484.