Joseph Kevin Murphy
Cambridge Joseph Kevin Murphy , 54, died peacefully June 10, 2010 at Haynes House of Hope in Granville after a courageous and dignified battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Cynthia Rifenburgh Murphy.
Born June 26, 1955 in the Bronx, he was the son of the late Joseph P. and Helen (Blythe) Murphy. The family moved to Rivervale, NJ where Joe received his education.
In 1986 Joe moved to Cambridge. He was a package designer for ProPack in Eagle Bridge for nearly 20 years.
He and Cindy were married February 14, 2003. Joe adored Cindy. He loved to cook for her and to spoil her in many ways.
A very friendly, fun loving person, Joe loved to socialize and always had a story to tell. He had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh.
His battle with cancer lasted seven years during which he touched many lives with his ability to look on the bright side, to make the best of every day that he had and to let the people he loved know how he felt.
He was an active member of the Cambridge Lions Club for many years. In he was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for dedicated humanitarian services.
A son, Matthew Murphy and a sister, Karen Murphy, predecease him.
Along with his devoted wife, he is survived by a son Joseph R. Murphy of Saratoga; three step-daughters, Sarah Svec (John) of Johnsonville and their children Dylan and Sophia, Courtney French of Half Moon and Erin French of Schaghticoke; three siblings, Doris Hastings of Florida, Dennis (Barbara) Murphy and Fredrick (Debbie) Murphy, all of New Jersey; in-laws, Charles and Martha Rifenburgh of Johnsonville and a host of in-laws, nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 2 PM at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, St. Luke’s Place, Cambridge, NY.
Friends and relatives may call from 11 AM to 1:30 PM at the parish house next to the church.
The family requests memorial donations be made to Friends of Hospice, 415 Lower Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or the Cambridge Lions Club % William Kennedy, 2125 Buskirk-West Hoosick Road, Buskirk, NY 12028 or Haynes House of Hope, P. O. Box 235, Granville, NY 12832. Cambridge, NY 12816.
Cindy and Family,
So sorry to hear of Joe’e passing but also a relief to know, his pain has ended and he is now at peace. He was such a sincere, loving and patient man, with this illness, and bore his trial well. God has a special place for him in Heaven.
May all your memories help you through your many days of ” firsts” God Bless all of you.
To the Family of Joseph Kevin Murphy,
So sorry to learn about the lost of your Dear Loved One, Joseph. Please know that so many people share your grief with you to help you through this difficult time of sorrow. Please accept my deepest condolences as we await the time when Christ Jesus will awaken all of those who have fallen asleep in death, including your Beloved Joseph. (John 11:41-44)
Cindy and family,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Joe. He touched our lives in the time we knew him. He always brought a smile to our faces. His sense of humor and outlook on life will never be forgotten. He is now experiencing the peace of God, the peace only he understands. Our heartfelt prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Cindy,
I’m so sorry to hear about Joe. I never met him, but it sounds like he was a great guy. Now he’s your guardian angel.
My thoughts are with you and the girls. If there’s anything I can do for you please let me know. I’m just a phone call away.
God bless you Joe. I’m so glad that you found the lord. Keep an eye out for us buddy. Till we meet again…..Sadly missed..Paul
Dear Cindy, Sarah, Courtney, Erin and Joey,
I will miss Joe very much! He brought so much joy into so many lives and he was such a courageous man. He always had a smile for you, no matter how much pain he was in. He will always be your guardian angel, with you at all times…
Dear Cindy and Family,
Sending you my sincere sympathy in your time of sorrow. Although Joe is no longer physically with you he will remain forever alive in your heart and your memories.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Denise
Dear Cindy & Family,
What a wonderful special person you must be. I had the honor and privelege of working with Joe when he was the package designer for ProPack. It was when the big box companies were coming alive and with Joe’s expertise we were a success in capturing the Home Depot Thread Seal Tape business for the Oatey company and our product was proudly displayed for many years on their shelves in the boxes that Joe so professionally helped us design. I have never met a person who was more genuine in his love for life and for people than Joe was. Everytime he walked into my office area his personality radiated everywhere. I thank God for giving me the opportunity of meeting and working with Joe. Joe was truly a gift that God gave to this earth and now God has chosen to bring Joe home with Him. I have not had the pleasure and honor of meeting you, but I know you too must be very special for Joe to fall in love with, marry and enjoy the wonderful time you had together. My heart goes out to you. Always remember, Joe is in the arms of the Lord and someday we will all be there together. Joe will always be the brightest star in the sky looking down and protecting you through this sadness and beyond. God Bless You and always remember, memories are the legacy of love.
Sincerely,
Elaine Weeden & Family
Dear Cindy, It was an honor and my privilege to have helped you care for Joe at Haynes House. His courage and your bravery throughout his illness is a testament to the love you shared. My prayers are with you as you continue on your life’s journey. Blessings, Alice Marold