Robert J. Murphy

Robert J. Murphy, 85, of Middletown, died Thursday, July 23, 2009, at his home. He was born in Middletown, on April 10, 1924 to parents Edward and Caroline (Spies) Murphy.

Mr. Murphy worked as an electrician for 45 years at General Motors, retiring in 1982. Robert served his country in the United States Navy in the Pacific during World War II. Mr. Murphy was a member of Holy Family Parish and enjoyed farming and all sports. He was a member of the 1942 only undefeated Monroe High School Basketball Team and was also a standout football player. He was inducted in 2007 into the Monroe Athletic Hall of Fame with the 1942 Monroe H.S. Basketball Team. Mr. Murphy was a Middletown Knothole Baseball coach and commissioner for 17 years. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports.

Mr. Murphy is survived by his wife, Phyllis (Wasson) Murphy; sons, Bobby Murphy, Tim (Susan) Murphy, Kevin (Sherry) Murphy and daughters, Debbie (Bill) Ackerman, Pam (Pat Rossi) Murphy and Jane Murphy; longtime friend, Benny Hoke & his Burger King Friends; 11 grandchildren, Robert Flischer, Erin, Maggie, Joe, Sean Alli, Katie and Tyler Murphy, Brad and Brian Dennis, and Ashley Ackerman; and 6 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles Murphy; sisters, Lucille Beier, Margaret Gatewood, Roberta Sloan and Mildred Murphy; and longtime friend, Sonny Downey.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the nurses at the Atrium Cardiac Rehab Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, July 27, 2009 at 10:30 am at Holy Family Parish - Holy Trinity Church, 201 Clark Street, Middletown with Father John Civille as celebrant. Visitation will be prior to the service from 8:30 - 10:00 AM at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd., Middletown, OH. Interment will be at Woodhill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Monroe Athletic Hall of Fame, c/o First Financial Bank, 108 S. Main Street, Monroe, OH 45050.

Funeral Home:
Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding
3805 Roosevelt Blvd.
Middletown, OH
US 45044