Obituary for J. Kevin Murphy J. Kevin Murphy, 91, Topeka, Kansas, died Sunday, July 15, 2018. Born March 25, 1927, in New York City to Lester and Rosemary Freeman Murphy, Kevin attended schools in Great Neck, Long Island, served in the U.S. Navy, graduated from Colgate University in 1947 and earned his LLD in 1950 from Fordham University Law School. In 1950 Kevin’s professional career began with a law practice specializing in litigation and general corporate matters.
From 1957-1976, Kevin served as President and CEO of Purolator Courier Corporation, the first international overnight delivery service. From 1977-1985, Kevin was President and CEO of Trailways, CTS Services, Inc. and Jartran, Inc. In 1985, Kevin joined the Gabelli Group as Managing Director. He organized and was Chairman and President of 655 Associates where he focused on crisis management and corporate turnaround activities.
In addition to his professional career, Kevin served on, among others, the Boards of Directors of the US Chamber of Commerce, American Management Associates and Pinkerton, Inc He organized the POW/MIA Scholarship programs (for which he received the highest civilian recognition from the Department of Defense) and support for overseas absentee voting as well as other programs In Kansas, Kevin served on various boards including the University of St. Mary and St. Francis Health Center. In 2003, Kevin was recognized by the Shawnee County Medical Society with the President’s Award for Outstanding Citizen Achievement and the “Betterment of Public Health in Shawnee County, KS”.
Kevin married the love of his life, Mary Alice Passman, on January 30, 1971. She survives of the home. He also leaves a son, Glenn Murphy, of Florida, daughter, Elizabeth Phelan, of Florida, and grandson, Kevin Murphy.
Honoring Kevin’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no public service. Memorial contributions are suggested to Most Pure Heart of Mary Church and the Topeka Symphony Society, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of J. Kevin Murphy please visit our Sympathy Store.
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