George M. Murphy, Jr.

George Matthew Murphy, Jr. - "Murph" – died in the arms of his loving wife and constant companion at their home of more than 40 years in Bear, Delaware on January 29, 2025 at the age of 83. 

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Beverly J. Murphy (Baker); his daughters Patty Van Zile (Pete) and Susan McDonald; his son, George M. Murphy III (Dylan Geringer); stepchildren Kenn Koubek (Jessica) and Kristine Tuttleman (David); his niece, Jennine Hancock (Kenny); and thirteen grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Edward and Jennie Baker, and his daughter, Carolyn Gilmour (Gary).

Murph was born in 1941 to George Sr. and Catherine Murphy (McGowan) of North Arlington, NJ. From an early age, he had an unrelenting curiosity and technical dexterity, spending much of his free time repairing televisions, working on cars, and operating his HAM radio. 

After graduating from Queen of Peace High School, Murph proudly served in the US Coast Guard as an engineman at Shark River Station in Avon By The Sea, NJ. After leaving the service, he continued his technical training while working at Hoffmann-La Roche in Nutley, NJ, where he oversaw 100 buildings as senior maintenance supervisor and served on the company fire squad. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he moonlighted customizing ambulances and emergency vehicles. From 1986 to his retirement in 1999, he was property manager for Morgan Christiana Center in Newark, DE.

In 1972, Murph was a charter member of the North Arlington Volunteer Emergency Squad (NAVES), and went on to serve as captain for five years between 1973-1984. Murph was also chief of the North Arlington Fire Squad and served as director of civil defense for the township. 

Murph had too many talents and hobbies to list. He was a certified locksmith, helicopter pilot, firefighter, expert carpenter, welder, electrician, tool collector, avid reader, and proud captain of the Murphy’s Law. He could fix anything, and would gladly do so for anyone who asked. 

Despite numerous health challenges during his last 25 years, Murph chose to remain an active participant in life. He embraced God’s loving plan for him when it would have been so much easier to give up. Murph accepted his physical limitations but never stopped trying to do more, continuing to use his amazing God-given abilities to support his family, his friends, and anyone who needed a helping hand.

A brief memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, February 24, 2025 at Delaware Veterans Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, Delaware 19701. A private gathering will follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Arlington Volunteer Emergency Squad: PO Box 7088, North Arlington, NJ 07031 or online at naves1972.org.

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