Obituary of James W. Murphy

James W. Murphy, 92, long-time resident of Bogota, NJ, passed away on March 15, 2017 at the Morris View Healthcare Center, Morris Township, NJ. A first-generation Irish-American, Mr. Murphy was born in 1924 in Leonia, NJ to the late Patrick and Alice Murphy, the third of four children. He graduated from Leonia High School in 1942, having lettered in varsity football and baseball. During WW II, he served in the Pacific Theatre as an Army ambulance driver, 41st Field Hospital, in New Guinea, Philippines. After the war, he joined Public Service Electric & Gas Co. in 1951 where he spent his career, retiring in 1989 as an Electrical Distribution Supervisor. In 1951, he married Anna De Vincenzo of Newark, NJ at St. Rose of Lima Church; they moved to Bogota in 1955 where they raised their family of six and were residents for 60 years. During his life, Mr. Murphy was active in St. Joseph’s Church and in his community. He served as a church lector, as Scoutmaster of St. Joseph’s BSA Troop #42, and as a coach of little league baseball. He was a long-time member and Past Commander of VFW Ralph H. Hall Post#5561, Bogota; served on the Bogota Recreation Committee, and on the Bogota Zoning Board, first as a member, and later as Chairman, for 27 years. He was named Bogota Citizen of the Year 1982, and a Bergen County Volunteer of the Year 1998. Mr. Murphy is survived by his dear wife Anna; his devoted children, James J. Murphy (and Eileen), Kathleen Murphy, Michael Murphy (and Nancy), Patricia Murphy, Joseph Murphy (and Teresa) and Elizabeth Murphy; and his cherished grandchildren, Patrick, James, Slava, Kailani, Natalia, Kathryn, Andrei, Lauren, Joseph and Keilana. He leaves behind his sisters, Mary K. Di Giacomo and Anna T. Murphy, and was predeceased by his brother, Francis J. Murphy. Family and friends are invited for visiting hours on Thursday, March 23 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Ave., Morris Plains, NJ. The funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 24 at 10 am at Assumption Church, 94 Maple Ave., Morristown, NJ. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Rd., North Arlington, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Church, Bogota NJ 07603 or VFW Ralph H. Hall Post# 5661, Bogota, NJ 07603