Ron Murphy, of Washington, PA, passed away peacefully with his daughter and son by his side on Wednesday, January 9, 2019. He was 82 years old, and lived a full and active life. He leaves a legacy of countless stories, happy memories and laughs.
He was a brilliant man, and the go-to on almost any topic, from sports trivia to ancient history. He loved to travel with his family and friends. His favorite trips included an annual pilgrimage to Cape May with his sister, nieces and nephews, several trips to Italy with his daughter, San Francisco to see his son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter, countless fishing and hunting trips with his buddies, and frequent excursions to his son’s home on St. Simons Island.
He was an active member of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Pittsburgh and of the Canonsburg Sportsmen’s Club, where he loved to spend time. He was born Oct 16, 1936 in Pittsburgh to Catherine and Michael Murphy. He spent much of his youth working in his father’s gas station and serving as an altar boy at St Agnes.
He also took great pride in his service as a Junior Air Warden during WWII. He loved to play baseball, and even made it through several rounds of try outs with the Pirates. His mother, however, had other plans for him and off he went to St. Francis University where he received a BA and a Masters Degree.
He later received his teaching degree from Duquesne University. He loved to recount the action he saw during the years he served in the US Army as an MP and a Chaplain’s Assistant, including evacuating Key West during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Ron was a former teacher at Canon McMillan High School.
Most people in the community will remember him as “Mr. Murphy,” the Latin teacher at the school from 1962 to 1997. Rarely would a day go by when he wouldn’t be recognized by one of his former students. He is survived by his sister Eileen Ianachione of Pittsburgh, a daughter Johanna Murphy of New York, a son Justin Murphy, daughter-in-law Susan Murphy and granddaughter Robin Murphy of San Mateo California.
He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, including Susan and Rick Sbuscio of Washington, PA, Tracilyn and Shawn Tornblom of Pittsburgh, and Tommy and Amy Ianachione of Pittsburgh, whom he loved as his own children. He was preceded in death by a brother, Gerald Murphy. Friends received 5-8 p.m. Friday and 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday at BRUSCO-NAPIER FUNERAL SERVICE, LTD.
, 2201 Bensonia Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 11 a.m. in St. Catherine of Siena Church. Burial to follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
Visitation Friday, January 11 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Brusco-Napier Funeral Service, Ltd. 2201 Bensonia Avenue Pittsburgh, PA Visitation Saturday, January 12 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Brusco-Napier Funeral Service, Ltd. 2201 Bensonia Avenue Pittsburgh, PA Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, January 12 11:00 AM St. Catherine of Siena Church 1810 Belasco Ave.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
