Ed, of Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, passed away peacefully New Year’s Eve at the age of 79, surrounded by family. An Arizona native, Ed graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in 1953, and went on to play football for and graduate from the University of Notre Dame in 1957. Ed was a 3rd generation Funeral Director joining his father W. L. “Bill” Murphy in the firm in 1957. He attended and graduated from the Los Angeles School of Mortuary Science in 1960 and spent the past 57 years serving families and the community with dignity and compassion. Ed’s grandmother, Mary Frances Murphy, was the first licensed woman embalmer in the State of Arizona. Ed’s accomplishments were many. He was a past Vice-President of Kiva-Kaibab Little League, former Chairman of C.Y.O. (Catholic Youth Organization) Diocese of Phoenix, past President of University of Notre Dame Club of Phoenix, past President of Maricopa County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse, former Chairman of Better Business Bureau Board of Directors Maricopa County, former Chairman of the Transportation Committee for the Papal Visit of Pope John Paul II to Phoenix, member of 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Marcos De Niza Council, member and former President of the Phoenix Serra Club, member of Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, former member of Catholic Cemetery Board Diocese of Phoenix and member and former President of Arizona Funeral Directors Association, whose father W. L. “Bill” Murphy was a founding member and also served as a past president. Ed is preceded in death by his first wife Sheila in 1978 and by his second wife Dorena “Dee” in 2012. He is survived by his 7 children, Brian (Meg), Danny (Lori), Martha (John Kelliher), Maureen (Bill Kieffer), Michele (Robin Bush), Shawn and Devin (Teri), 2 stepchildren Kathy Penzenstadler (Manfred) and Mike Ryan, 23 grandchildren, MaKaela, Phillip, Kelly, Madison, Sheila, Tom; Ryan, Hank; Gracie, Katie; Joe, Mike, Jacquie, Shaylin, Mackenzie; Amanda and Allison and their mother Melanie; Joseph; Elizabeth, Eric, Christina, Kelsey and Katilyn and 6 great-grandchildren Ryann, Trinity, Caiden, Ashlynn, Kayley and Emma. You may pay your respects during the Visitation from 1:00PM- 8:00PM on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road, Phoenix. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 10AM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, followed by interment at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Ed Murphy was an incredible man with a warm smile who touched so many throughout his life. He will be remembered and greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
George Hubbard
Dear the Murphy family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Uncle Ed was such a wonderful man. My love to you all!
George Hubbard
Sheilin Hubbard Miller
Uncle Ed brought out the best in the Hubbard’s he made my Mom Harvene laugh with his continued flattery and unconditional love. Uncle Ed brought out the school age kid in my Dad. Uncle Ed never told any of us kids no! he was always a gracious host with a infectious laugh of “more the merrier” His home & life was filled with so much love. He and his family helped to created lasting memories that will not soon be forgotten. Cheers to you Uncle Ed I know the heavens are singing and the toasts are ongoing.. Until we meet again. Love Sheilin
posey
His smile is forever ingrained in my mind. What a fine man and mentor. My favorite memory: Uncle Ed, my Dad; Al Moore and Tommy Cavanagh in the back of Brophy Chapel readying for the funeral of Herb Drinkwater ….. the three of them … got to telling jokes to each other, they were really cutting up, and I had to sushhhhh them, soundly, they looked at me like 3 little boys who knew they’d best hush, and now! They did. Uncle Ed thank you for all the lessons and your example of how to live life with faith and grace……til we meet again…with our love yo your family and associates….
Posey and John Nash
Alice Powers
I will miss that wonderful smile at Mass at Mt Claret on Sunday
beth leander thorson
Ed continues to inspire unconditional love and generosity through the wonderful examples he’s given. His humor and the gift of his exceptional children lighten the sadness of his passing. What a blessing to have known him.
Rick Allnutt
To the Murphy family,
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Ed was such a pleasure to visit with when we visited the mortuary. A true funeral professional! May he now rest in peace.
Kathy
Although I never met Mr Murphy, I do know his lovely daughter Maureen. She always spoke with such love and joy when telling me about her father. He has left an amazing legacy behind through Maureen, as I’m sure he has with every one of his family members and dear friends. Rejoice in your peace with our Lord and Savior Jesus, Mr Murphy!
Father Patrick Gavin, O.Carm.
Ed was a wonderful under-taker and a true gentleman through and through. I loved our rides to the cemetery in the “coach” on the way to committals. You could talk about anything with him, his common sense, sense of humor and wealth of stories as well as knowledge of history made him always fascinating. Sometimes he would put his “priest” hat on and give a little bit of advice and “absolution.” “Don’t worry father, it will all work out!” was usually his bottom line. Requiescat in Pace Thanks for your caring friendship and faithfulness! Fr. Pat
Rick Allnutt
To the Murphy family,
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Ed was such a pleasure to visit with when I visited the mortuary several times! A true professional and a great funeral director! May he now rest in peace!
Rick Allnutt
Allnutt Funeral Service, Colorado
June Nash
Please, dear family, know that so many of us share this huge loss of our old classmate and friend. He was a bright light to us all with his special smile and grace.
He is sharing the Heavens now with family and friends. He is streaking across the sky in his perfect body going for that final touchdown! Go Ed! God bless each of you.
Cordelia Archuleta and Jorge (George) Brito
Shawn, our most sincere condolences to you and all of your family for the loss of Mr. Edward Murphy. Our fond memories will always be present.
Bill & Rose Yearnd
We are both saddened to know of your Dad’s passing. We know the love and memories you all have will carry you through this difficult time. We’ll be out of town during his celebration this week but you will be in our hearts and will pray for calm and peace to return to your family.
Rose and Coach Y
mike merrick
so sorry that ed has passed away, he was like a father to me when i moved to arizona, i hope he is now in heaven with sheila. i love you all and think of you often. my love and sympathy mike
judy cristo
I am so sorry for your loss, our loss he was a great man with so much knowledge and insight, I enjoyed my visits with him and loved him dearly….I will miss you so much!
pamella garner
Shawn,our dads are talking business right now,with their special laughs and remarks,and possibly with drink in hand…It’s am so sad for both of us….with love to you and family
James A. Pruett Jr
Rest In Peace Mr. Murphy. Please don’t forget to pray for all of us here on earth while you are in the greatest place possible…. Heaven! Your visits to see us at the dealership always Energized the entire staff!! You will be missed. Thank you for the Legacy you helped to create. Rest in Peace Sir.
tom stocker
Ed MURPHY was a prince of a gentleman! He was always ready to discuss church politics and the way it use to be before Vatican II. Over the years we had some spirited discussions which always ended with smiles.Ed always made me feel cared for and respected as a part of the Whitney Murphy team. During the time that I worked at Whitney Murphy I observed Ed as a gentle caring man having sincere empathy for the families he worked with. REQUIESCAT IN PACEM ED. You are much respected and loved.! Tom Stocker
Jeff & Rosemary Casey
Mr. Murphy was a warm and gentle giant; a true professional. He will be greatly missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Murphy family during this most difficult time of great loss.
Sr. Phyllis Hughes, RSM
My sincere condolences to the whole family on the loss of such a wonderful man. He continued the relationship with the Sisters of Mercy at St. Joseph’s that preceded his generation. The family and Whitney Murphy are part of the story of the church in Phoenix that continues now! We ask for his prayers now that he is in glory!
Robert M
My deepest condolences to the Murphy family for the loss of your father my friends, but I must say being around your dad, hearing his laugh, seeing his smile has given me many joyous times in my life. This planet will never be the same without him. Rest in Peace Ed. Love Rob
Lesa Skarlot
My sincere condolences to the entire Murphy family and all friends and loved ones of Ed. He was a warm, intelligent and generous man. It was a privilege to know him.
Lynn Ehmann
God’s Angels sent a very special man down to us to touch so many lives. Ed will always be remembered for all his kind words, warm personality and the love he had for everyone he came in touch with. We were all so very fortunate to know such an amazing man. You will be missed Ed. My prayers are with you and you family today and always. Love and Blessings, Lynn
Rodi Vehr
Ed was so good to us when Mom and Dad died 15 years ago. He had been a family friend who then had to switch roles to comfort us and guide us professionally, despite the toll on him – what a man! Saw him at Mt. claret recently and he was as smiling as ever – what a joy!
John Prentice
I’m confident I speak for many of his friends in Batesville when I offer our condolences to all who knew and loved Ed. He was our friend and mentor who helped when it was needed most. We remain in a debt of gratitude.
John Prentice
The original Forethought Group
Kellie Norton
Hugs and prayers for you all. So glad I had the privilege to meet such a wonderful man❤️
Wendy Wood
Sending my deepest and most heartfelt condolences for the great loss of your father. He was a gentleman through and through and always was so kind to me in my time at St. Thomas the Apostle. My prayers for your great loss.
Thomas Mansfield
It was a pleasure Knowing Ed and I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to Shawn and all the Murphy family. Vaya Con Dios.
Rest in Peace your job was well done!
Rev. Thomas J. Hallsten, KHS
To the Murphy Family and Staff of Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home. Please receive the expression of my deepest sympathy.
Fr. Thomas, Holy Spirit Parish, Tempe
Sylvia Don Carlos
Shawn, My sincere condolences to you and your family. Your dad was a wonderful, kind, generous man. I am forever grateful for his professional leadership as he mentored me during my employment. I loved listening to his stories and watch how he cared for so many families within the community. I was truly blessed to have known such a great and respected leader. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Diane Merrick
To Brian, Danny, Martha, Maureen, Michele, Shawn and Devin,
Your father was a fun, generous and compassionate man…but his true legacy is the fine children he raised. It did my heart good to see all of you yesterday! I love you all, Diane
Andrea Angulo Gutierrez
My deepest condolences to the Murphy clan. Mr. Murphy was a dear, sweet man and a pillar of the Phoenix and Catholic Community. He was beloved by many, and most especially by the Angulo, Culling, and Balderas families. Mr. Murphy was especially kind and supportive when I myself had to plan my own infant daughter’s burial. God Bless this Wonderful Man, keep him and let him rest in peace. Truly an individual who touched MANY lives. My thoughts and prayers go out to his beloved family.
Ed Lopez, Jr.
Our Thoughts & Prayers to the Murphy Family & Whitney Murphy Staff. Mr. Murphy’s Great Kindness & Smile will be missed dearly. Thank you Mr. Murphy, for being a great friend to my Dad.
Eddie Jr. & Family.
Jennifer (Misfeldt) Mills
Murphy family I’m very sorry for your loss. Our family just went thru this with our dad and it is a very hard thing to go through. Shawn helped us greatly and dealing with this part of the process was one of the easier parts thanks to you. God bless you all and I wish you peace.
Nancy Hobbs Ekberg
On behalf of the Hobbs Families, our deepest sympathies. Mr. Murphy was a true Phoenix icon and will sorely be missed.
Dan Whitted
Pam and I just received the news of Ed’s death. I’m saddened for all the Murphy family and lift you up in our prayers. He was so good to me when I worked there , and when I went left, I took part of this man with me. A mans man and pure class all the way…. The world is a much better place because Ed lived!!