John W. Murphy, Sr., 72, of Pittston died Friday, July 27 at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital, Wilkes Barre, PA. Born September 24, 1945, he was the son of the late Leo F. and Mary (Druffner) Murphy.
He was a 1963 graduate of Scranton Preparatory High School. He continued his education at the University of Scranton, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1967 and earned a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1970.
He worked for many years for the state of Pennsylvania in the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, affording him the opportunity to help multiple people achieve their dreams of higher education and by locating resources for persons who were mentally or physically disabled.
John prematurely retired secondary to health issues, but continued to maintain a positive attitude and focused his time and attention on his beloved children and grandchildren. Nothing made John happier than spending time with his family and his friends. He was intelligent, funny, and had the kindest spirit which he openly shared with anyone who came into his life. John was also a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Leo and his son-in-law, Gregory J. Policare, Jr. whom John loved.
He is survived by four children, John W. Jr., Pittston, Christine M. Policare, MD, Kingston, Julie L. Murphy, and her fiancée Jp Hughes, Laflin, and Susan M. Smith and her husband, Robert, Pittston Township. He also has 10 grandchildren. In addition to his children and grandchildren, John is also survived by his sisters Rosemary Warneke, of Laurel Md., Anne Sharkey and her husband, Dr. Thomas G. of Moosic, Joan Fasullo and her husband Leonard of Phoenixville, Pa; brothers Atty. Joseph A. Murphy, Dunmore and Paul and his wife Joanne, Groton, CT. He also has numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 7 at 9:30am from Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea with a mass of Christian burial at 10:00am at St. John The Evangelist Church, William St., Pittston with Fr. Joseph Elston officiating. Friends may call on Monday evening, August 6th from 5-8pm. Interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Paint Pittston Pink, 133 South Main Street, Pittston, PA.