Obituary of James Joseph "Joe" Murphy
James Joseph “Joe” Murphy, 82, of Far Hills, New Jersey passed away peacefully on May 22, 2019 surrounded by his family. He will be immensely missed.
Joe was a longtime resident of Somerset Hills, New Jersey and Vail, Colorado, and a parishioner of St. Brigid Church and neighboring parishes for 45 years.
Born on April 14, 1937, Joe grew up in Rego Park, New York. He graduated from All Hallows High School and Fordham University where he was a member of the rifle team and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Joe proudly served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army stationed in Germany. While home on leave, he met his wife, Rose, at their childhood parish of Resurrection-Ascension. Rose and Joe married in 1962. They treasured their early years in Europe where they discovered a shared love of travel. Upon returning to the States, Joe enjoyed a long and successful career on Wall Street selling municipal bonds. He was blessed to pursue a career he loved. He thrived on the energy of the financial markets and camaraderie of the trading desk. Many of Joe’s colleagues and clients became cherished family friends.
Joe’s work ethic was matched only by his love of skiing, a sport he learned in Europe. His happiest days were those spent with family and friends in Vail and Beaver Creek. His greatest joy in recent years was sharing powder days with his three grandchildren. A lifelong reader of The New York Times, Joe’s curiosity about the world fueled his intellect, making him an avid conversationalist who never met a stranger.
Joe loved life and lived it to the fullest. Family, faith, service to country and devotion to his Irish ancestry were his foundations. He will be most remembered for his wonderful smile, quick wit, laughter, and kindness.
In addition to his parents, Austin and Catherine Murphy, Joe is predeceased by brothers Austin and Bernard.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Rose, son Joseph (Virginia), daughters Gwynne Murphy Steele (Greg) and Jennifer Murphy Shannon (Mike), and his adoring grandchildren, Sara Rose, James and John Peter Shannon. He is also survived by his sister Mary Donohue, sister-in-law Mary Murphy, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 28 from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at Bailey Funeral Home (176 Main Street, Peapack-Gladstone, NJ).
Funeral mass will be on Wednesday, May 29 at 11 AM at St. Brigid (129 Main Street, Peapack-Gladstone, NJ).
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (800.272.3900) and the Religious Sisters Filippini (www.filippiniusa.org).
