John E. Murphy, age 69, of Woodchuck Hill Road, Newport, passed away on June 21, 2022 at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Utica.
John was born on July 4, 1952 in Herkimer, a son of the late Joseph and Carolyn (Spellman) Murphy, Sr. He graduated from West Canada Valley Central School. In September of 1969, he entered the U.S. Army and served with the 565th PTS Company during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1975 at the rank of Specialist 5. After leaving the Army, he furthered his education at HCCC and SUNY Utica where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocational Education. John was employed at several places, including Remington Arms, Material Sand and Gravel, Eastern Rock and Oneida County BOCES from which he retired in 2007 after nearly 20 years as an instructor.
On September 27, 1969, John was united in marriage to Katherine N. Newman at St. John’s Church. Kathy predeceased him on December 7, 1992.
On September 1, 2007, John was united in marriage to Deborah R. Light in Newport. Debbie predeceased him on September 29, 2018.
John was a member of the WCV Post #1524 American Legion and 5th District American Legion, where he served as Adjutant and Past Commander of both. He was a member of the Herkimer County American Legion, where he served as Treasurer and Past Commander. He was a Department Vice-Commander of the 5th and 6th District, Department Chairman of Education and Scholarships and Executive Director of Boys State. John joined the Newport Volunteer Fire Company in 1978 where he served as past Chief and past and current President. He also served as the Mayor of Newport from 1988 to 1993. John was a member of St. John’s Church.
Survivors include son, Michael Murphy of FL; step-daughter, Heather (Robert) Borden of Newport; siblings, Bridget (Joe) Santa Maria of Frankfort, Patricia Murphy of Syracuse, Timothy (Kim) Murphy of Williamsburg, VA, Joseph (Lynn) Murphy, Jr. of Newport, Mary Lou Flansburg of Newport, Matthew (Debra) Murphy of Jeffersonville, Mark (Kimberly) Murphy of Callicoon, Catherine Murphy of Newport, Margaret (Keith) Schumacher of Cold Brook, and Michael (Lisa) Murphy of Strasburg, VA; grandchildren, Kody, Cameron and Kaiden Murphy, Zackary (Alexandra), Jacob, and Isabella Borden; great-grandchildren, Blake and Charlotte Borden; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to both his wives, John was predeceased by an infant son, Kimberly Nelson Murphy; son, Jason; and grandson, Joshua Murphy.
Calling hours at the Newport Fire Station, 7370 Main Street, are Friday from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., with a Firemen Service at 7:30 p.m. and an American Legion Service at 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John’s Church, Newport on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with Father Terence Healy, Pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in St. John's Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and the WCV Post #1524 American Legion. A reception will take place at the Adirondack Post #1118 American Legion, Cold Brook following the committal prayers. Arrangements are under the direction of Autenrith Funeral Home, Newport.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to his sister-in-law, Priscilla for her special care during John’s illness.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to St. John’s Restoration Fund, P.O. Box 475, Newport, NY 13416. Envelopes are available at the services.
Online tributes at: www.autenrithfuneral.com
Local arrangements have been entrusted to Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home, Callicoon, NY 845-887-4900. stewartmurphyfh.com