Gregory Francis Murphy

Gregory Francis Murphy, 68, originally of Long Beach, N.Y., passed away Dec. 18, 2014 following a long battle with complications associated with leukemia. He died peacefully surrounded by family, including his loving wife, Elinor (Fersh) Murphy and his daughter Sharon D'Angelo. Greg - aka, "The Murph" - met his last days with the same strength, humility and optimism with which he led his life. Greg lived a rich, fulfilling life and often said he'd literally "done it all," even zip-lining on a mountain vacation at the age of 66. Known for his easy-going manner and sense of humor, Greg had a personality and a smile that could light up a room, and it is that smile that all those whose lives he touched will remember. Gregory Murphy was born on Dec. 8, 1946 in the Woodside neighborhood of Queens N.Y., to Patrick J. Murphy and Eleanor Lepper Murphy. He grew up in Long Beach, where his lifelong love affair with the ocean began. A natural athlete with more than a bit of a competitive spirit, Greg played CYO and high school basketball and was a strong swimmer. He served as a Long Beach lifeguard for 18 years, a job he took great pride in. He graduated from Long Beach High School in 1965. It was during these years that he met the love of his life, Elinor. High school sweethearts, the couple married in 1968 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church. Greg's fairytale romance with his partner in life and love, Elinor, continued for 46 years. Greg graduated from SUNY- Brockport in 1970 with a bachelor's degree in sports and recreation , and went on to earn a master's degree from Lehman College and another master's from SUNY-Albany in educational administration. Hard-working and ambitious, Greg Murphy was the original self-made man. Early in his career, and with a growing family at home, it wasn't unusual for him to hold down two or three jobs at once - all while continuing his education.
Greg worked for 30 years in the Hewlett-Woodmere School District, wearing multiple hats, from recreation supervisor to adult education coordinator and finally Athletic Director. He was a champion for his students, even initiating a "Hall of Fame" as a way to honor youth sports leaders, and a pioneer in the athletic community, responsible for securing a new track and scoreboard in the school district. Greg was honored as a top administrator by the School Administrators Association of New York State. He also refereed college football throughout Long Island. In retirement, Greg and Elinor moved first to Ocean Pines, MD, and finally to Mount Pleasant, S.C., where he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, traveling and socializing with friends. Greg was part of a group of six to eight golfers who regularly played Tuesdays and Thursdays at the RiverTowne Country Club, where he lived. He was always up for a good tournament, in fact, being named senior champion several years ago - a title that earned him his own parking spot! His winning personality was always at play, providing as much joy and fun to his fellow players as he got out of it. Greg was also known for his annual portrayal of Santa in the holiday concerts put on by Elinor's singing group, the Coastal Belles, which is a regular fixture twice a year at local nursing homes. He was a member of the RiverTowne Country Club. He leaves behind a large circle of cherished friends and his beloved family. Greg is survived by his wife, Elinor; his daughters Colleen Jones and her husband, Chris, of St. Augustine, FL; Sharon D'Angelo of Mount Pleasant; and grandchildren, Aidan, Ashlyn, and Alexa, 100% immersed in their lives like a father as well as a grandfather. He also leaves behind his sister, Geraldine Eidt of East Atlantic Beach, N.Y., and brother Terel Murphy of Lake Worth, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Donald and Patrick, Jr. An intimate service and burial was held Sunday, December 21, at the Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens. Donations may be sent to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org/pages/sc/inmemoryofgregmurphy) and the CaringBridge organization. A more formal memorial service will be held at a future date. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Mount Pleasant Chapel.