Joseph James Murphy

Joseph James Murphy, age 77, of Fairfield, beloved husband of 53 years of Grace Patricia (Kiernan) Murphy, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family Sunday, July 3, 2016 following a courageous battle with Mesothelioma. Born in New York City the son of the late Joseph J. and Margaret (Russell) Murphy, he had been a Fairfield resident for the last 44 years. He served in the United States Marine Corps as an infantry officer separating in 1968 as a 1st Lieutenant. Mr. Murphy retired as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company. Following his retirement, he pursued several entrepreneurial endeavors, founding and selling several companies and continued this passion until his passing. Mr. Murphy served as an adjunct professor of finance at Bryant College and Sacred Heart University, served on the Board of Directors of the SIDS Association of CT, Boys/Girls Club of Bridgeport, and also authored five non-fiction novels. He was a 25 year plus member of the Patterson Club, a member of the Gaelic American Club and a member of the FBI / Marine Corps Association. Joe was a man of many interests and talents yet the most enjoyable and rewarding aspect of his life was spending time with his beloved wife, sons and his cherished grandchildren of whom he was very proud. Survivors in addition to his wife include three beloved sons, Joseph J. (Trey) Murphy, III, Lt Col. USAF (Ret.) and his wife Brenda J. of Ashburn, VA, Daniel J. Murphy and his wife Heather of Southbury and Craig K. Murphy and his wife Cassandra of High Point, NC; eight adoring grandchildren, Capt. Katherine Murphy, USAF, Brendan, Timothy, Nicole, Caitlin, Derek, Jenna and Mackenzie Murphy; three brothers, Ronald, William and Gerard Murphy; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Maureen Murphy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. meeting directly at St. Pius X Church 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield. The United States Marine Corps Honor Guard will render military honors following the Mass. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday (Today) from 4-8 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com