Eugene R. Murphy

"The Lord looks after fools and Irishmen, and I qualify on both accounts," was one of many favorite sayings of Eugene R. Murphy, departed March 31st after being outmatched by Alzheimer's. "Murph" to his friends, and "Pa" to his family, anyone who met him will remember his contagious, signature laugh, winning smile and generous nature.

Gene was born in Chicago, IL and graduated with a political science degree in 1961 from St Procopius College (now Benedictine University) in Lisle, IL. He met his sweetheart, Jane (Groth), at a college mixer in Joliet, IL, and upon his completion of officer flight training from NAS Pensacola, FL, they married June 16, 1962, in Coronado, CA. Assigned to VP Squadron 22, Gene enjoyed "hardship" Navy assignments in California and Hawaii before ending active duty service in Glenview, IL. After transferring to a Naval Reserve commission from which he eventually retired as a Lt Commander, Gene accepted a flight operations training position in Kansas City, MO with Trans World Airlines. Their Shawnee, KS home of 20 years was an idyllic base as the Murphy's traveled the world taking full advantage of TWA travel benefits. Jane and Gene moved briefly to St Charles, MO just prior to Gene's 1991 retirement from TWA. He was then hired to join UPS Flight Training Operations in Louisville, KY where he reveled in the professionalism and camaraderie of their crack team of general subjects instructors until his retirement in 2001.

Gene and Jane were always on the go, loathe to miss a reunion, wedding, or grandchild's birth/sacrament/sporting event/graduation. Their friendships were solid and sustaining, and they cherished their annual Setter Downs, Branson and Padre Island trips. St Patrick's Day and Derby parades and parties were other Murphy family hallmarks.

Despite the cruel diminishment of dementia, Gene's strength was social connection and he lit up at the mention of a coworker or grandchild's name, the invitation to watch a football or basketball game, or toast with a Guinness or Scotch. His Catholic faith was his buoy and his family was his pride and joy.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Loretta and Richard E. Murphy, motherly aunts Rita Murphy and Margaret Hoff, and beloved spouse, Jane (Groth) Murphy. He is mourned by brother-in-law Boyd Groth; children, Kelly (Jeff) Plate, Michael (Colleen) Murphy, and Patrick (Jennifer) Murphy; grandchildren, Corinne (Blake) Jungmeyer, Ted (Eve) Kinsella, Erin, Nolan (Ileana), Keenan, Brendan and Aidan Plate, Jack and Colin Murphy, Emma and Molly Murphy; great-grandchildren, Sophie, Henry and George Jungmeyer, James and Nathaniel Kinsella, and Baby Plate (due in May) and countless relatives and friends. His family is indebted to and grateful for the selfless staff of St. Leonard's San Damiano Residence Memory Support.

Funeral arrangements include a rosary at St Leonard's Catholic Chapel, (8100 Clyo Rd, Centerville, OH 45458) on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at 11:00am, followed by a funeral mass at 11:30, and a luncheon immediately afterwards at The Franciscan Center Station House Restaurant. A celebration of life and interment will take place July 30th in Chicago, IL.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the CHI St Leonard's Employee Emergency Fund.

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