John W. (“Jack”) Murphy passed away peacefully on September 20, 2023, at the age of 86. Jack was a wonderful man devoted to his family, friends, and faith.
He is survived by his children, Dan (Mary Kay) Murphy, Jack (Alicia) Murphy, Kathy (Mike) Casey, and Annemarie (Gio) Leone. He was a proud Pop-Pop to his eleven grandchildren: John, Danny, Bridget, Colleen, Nora, Tommy, Brendan, Claire, Giovanni, Marty, and Kiera. Jack is also survived by his sisters, Maureen Dougherty and Sister Sheila Murphy, RSM; his sisters-in-law, Mary Kane, Patricia (Greg) Roos, Frannie Senn, and Gerre Lynn, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 52 years, Kathleen (nee Kenny); his parents, John and Gertrude Murphy; sisters, Helen Wusinich and Karen Murphy; and brothers-in-law, Franny Kane, Tom Lynn, David Senn, and Jim Wusinich.
Growing up, Jack spent the majority of his childhood in the Philadelphia area, with a brief period in Jersey City. He is a proud graduate of West Catholic High School, Saint Joseph’s University, and Drexel University. Jack earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in accounting, and enjoyed a long career as a Certified Public Accountant.
Jack proudly served in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Captain.
Jack was a devoted father, attending as many of his children’s sporting events and activities as he could. When he wasn’t coaching, he cheered them on from the sidelines. When his grandchildren arrived, he was a frequent attendee at their events, as well.
He made many wonderful friends over the years, and enjoyed catching up with them when he could. He cherished his monthly meetings with the West Catholic group, and didn’t miss a chance to sing the alma mater. A fan of sports and history, with a remarkable memory, Jack could talk to anyone about anything. We are grateful to his wonderful friends who stayed in touch with him, as your phone calls and visits were a source of joy for him.
Jack was a longtime parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, where he was a Eucharistic minister, member of the Parish Council, and participant in the Passion Play.
Jack will be greatly missed, and never forgotten.
Visitation will be held at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home (3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803) from 6:00-8:00 PM on Friday, September 29th. Another visitation will be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (4701 Weldin Road Wilmington, DE 19803) from 10:00-11:00 AM on Saturday, September 30th, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. The mass will be livestreamed, and can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwdpRHPZHo4 Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children, the Spina Bifida Association, or Ruby’s Rainbow (Scholarships for Adult Students with Down Syndrome).
