As the first-born grandchild, I have so many wonderful memories of my Grandpa Murphy, my dad’s dad, and I’m so thankful that I was able to attend the rosary (we made it just in time Thursday night), funeral Mass (Friday morning- I was asked to do the first reading and prayers of the faithful, my youngest cousin did the second reading) and his burial.

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My Dad is standing next to my grandma in this picture. |
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My oldest son laughed when he saw that his grandpa, my dad, had his famous "head tilt" even as a child! |
Despite the sad circumstances, it was so great to see all my aunts and uncles together again, and see many of my cousins and childhood friends as well!

Richard R. Murphy
Jan. 24, 1929 - Dec. 3, 2017
Richard R. Murphy (Richie, Dick), of Stockton, 88 years of age, was born and raised in rural Iroquois, South Dakota, and received his undergraduate degree from St. John's University, Collegeville, MN. He went on to receive his law degree at Notre Dame University, South Bend, Indiana, where he met JoAnn Baltes (1929-1990), whom he married in 1953. They raised 9 children together in Orange County, CA, Dell Rapids, SD, and Stockton, CA, where they owned and operated West Lane Tennis Club as a family business. After JoAnn's death, Richard married Mary Berry of Susanville, CA, and they had a son, Richard B. Murphy, in 1993. In 2006, Richard married Darlene Gunda, and they enjoyed 11 years together.
Richard served in the Marine Corps from 1953-1957, achieving the rank of Captain. He enlisted after he completed his law degree. Richard practiced law for over 50 years in Southern California, South Dakota, Northern California and Indiana. Richard was very devoted to his faith, and took pride in helping others, both professionally and in his personal life. He relished raising his family and enjoying his grandchildren. He loved athletics and was an avid racquetball and basketball player. He also enjoyed watching the University of Notre Dame football games.
Richard is survived by his wife, Darlene Gunda-Murphy; 10 children: Shannon, Pat (Josephine), Tom (Cheryl), Sean (Lori), Jeb, Tad, Kelly (Jackie), Casey (Tonia), Bridget (Shawn), and Richard B. Murphy. Richard also had 28 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.
In your charity, would you please offer a prayer for the soul of my Grandpa Murphy?
Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
ReplyDelete2017-12-20 03:24:18
V. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine. R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. Fidelium animae, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace. Amen. My deepest sympathies, Jessica, to you and your family. My grandfather passed away ten years ago, just after my second son was born. I still miss him greatly -- he was like a father to me. Take comfort in those precious memories of him, and my prayer is for his eternal peace in Our Lord's presence.
ReplyDelete2017-12-20 04:21:59
I'm so grateful for all the wonderful memories! It's been over twenty-seven years since we lost my grandmother, my dad's mom, and being up on the altar at the same church (I sang with cousins and friends - well I tried to sing while sobbing- at her funeral as a child) and then at the same cemetery since they are now buried in the same plot, brought back so many painful memories. Just last week I ran across a book my grandpa gave me on Thanksgiving Day in 1990, the year my grandma died, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers! The paperback cover is tattered after reading it so many times over the years. Thank you for the prayers for his soul. I'll offer a prayer for your grandfather too!
Delete2017-12-22 16:03:41
Praying for the repose of his soul. This was a beautiful post and I'm glad you were able to make it to his funeral. God bless you!
ReplyDelete2017-12-20 05:48:06
Thank you, Sarah! God bless you too!
Delete2017-12-22 16:04:22
May your Grandpa rest in peace. I thank him for his service to our country. Sending prayers your way, Sherri
ReplyDelete2017-12-20 06:06:51
Prayers for him and your whole family - I'm so sorry for your loss, perhaps felt even more deeply right now before Christmas. As an aside, your two aunts resemble each other so much I never would have guessed they aren't blood relatives!
ReplyDelete2017-12-20 06:51:05
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for Richard Murphy and family. God Bless. Joan
ReplyDelete2017-12-20 21:46:50
Sorry to hear of the passing of your grandfather. Rest in Peace Richard Murphy. Marilyn
ReplyDelete2017-12-20 21:47:53
Prayer for you and your family. May your grandfather "Rest In Peace" Marion
ReplyDelete2017-12-20 21:51:45
I will offer a prayer for your Grandpa. I just made an interesting connection. As I'm looking at your pictures, one of your dad's brothers (Tom) looked very familiar. Turns out he goes to my parish! My daughter was learning crochet from his wife :) It's a small Catholic world :).
ReplyDelete2017-12-22 12:03:00
Oh wow! He is also my godfather! It was so nice to see him again.
Delete2017-12-22 15:46:32
Thank you all!
ReplyDelete2017-12-22 15:47:50