Joseph Edward Murphy

Services Canceled

Joseph “Joe” Edward Murphy, 81, husband of Ellen, passed away peacefully at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore on August 30, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Joe was born in Frostburg, Maryland on March 29,1943, the son of the late Joseph Lawrence and Anna (Ward) Murphy. In 1961, he graduated from La Salle High School, where he was the class salutatorian.  He went on to study English at Frostburg State College, where he was a member of the wrestling team. While a student, he worked as a sportswriter for the Cumberland Times.

Joe entered college with the intention of becoming a teacher, but at the end of his studies he changed paths and became a career civil servant. He worked for the Social Security Administration in Woodlawn and Baltimore, MD for nearly four decades, where he specialized in international disability benefits. He earned several awards, including two Commissioners Citations for service excellence.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ellen (nee Moore); daughters, Sarah “Sally”, Kathleen (Don Zebrauskas), and Jayne; grandchildren, Eddie Jean (Ronja Krischke), Dillon Zebrauskas, Peter Jean, Helene Zebrauskas (Tyler Keefer), Scott Jean, and Ginny Zebrauskas; and great-grandson, Finn Benjamin Krischke Jean. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Susan Resser and Margaret Anne “Maggie” Anderson, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He enjoyed his twenty-two years of retirement in Chesapeake Isle, Maryland, taking walks along the Elk River and caring for his pets. He was a fantastic father, always supporting his daughters in their moments of sadness or triumph. He was also devoted to his grandkids and traveled far and wide to visit and support them. His family and friends brought him great happiness, and his warmth and kindness made him beloved by many.

Joe loved nature and its creatures, especially the furry and winged ones. He once quipped that he was the Pied Piper of cats. In addition to caring for the kitties, he enjoyed feeding his backyard birds and his daily walks with his dogs, most recently Spud and grand-dog Monty. Joe was an avid reader; the quote “too many books, too little time” was made for him. He loved the New York Times word games and was an avid crossword puzzler. He was a shining star and will be missed by all.

Joe’s family will host a celebration of his life at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 28th, at the Crouch Funeral Home, 127 South Main Street, North East.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a memorial gift to the Fox Chase Cancer Center at Temple University Hospital, https://www.foxchase.org/giving/ways-give/donate-now.