Jan 11, 2019

Ron Murphy, of Washington, passed away peacefully with his daughter and son by his side Wednesday, January 9, 2019.

He was 82 years old, and lived a full and active life.

He leaves a legacy of countless stories, happy memories and laughs. He was a brilliant man, and the go-to source on almost any topic, from sports trivia to ancient history.

He loved to travel with his family and friends. His favorite trips included an annual pilgrimage to Cape May with his sister, nieces and nephews; several trips to Italy with his daughter; San Francisco to see his son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter; countless fishing and hunting trips with his buddies; and frequent excursions to his son’s home on St. Simons Island.

He was an active member of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Pittsburgh and of Canonsburg Sportsmen’s Club, where he loved to spend time.

He was born October 16, 1936 in Pittsburgh to Catherine and Michael Murphy. He spent much of his youth working in his father’s gas station and serving as an altar boy at St Agnes. He also took great pride in his service as a junior air warden during World War II.

He loved to play baseball, and even made it through several rounds of tryouts with the Pirates. His mother, however, had other plans for him and off he went to St. Francis University where he received a bachelor and a master’s degree. He later received his teaching degree from Duquesne University.

He loved to recount the action he saw during the years he served in the U.S. Army as an MP and a chaplain’s assistant, including evacuating Key West during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Ron was a former teacher at Canon-McMillan High School. Most people in the community will remember him as “Mr. Murphy,” the Latin teacher at the school from 1962 to 1997. Rarely would a day go by when he wouldn’t be recognized by one of his former students.

He is survived by his sister, Eileen Ianachione of Pittsburgh; a daughter, Johanna Murphy of New York; a son, Justin Murphy; daughter-in-law, Susan Murphy and granddaughter, Robin Murphy of San Mateo, Calif. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including Susan and Rick Sbuscio of Washington, Tracilyn and Shawn Tornblom of Pittsburgh, and Tommy and Amy Ianachione of Pittsburgh, whom he loved as his own children. He was preceded in death by a brother, Gerald Murphy.

Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 to10:30 a.m. Saturday at Brusco-Napier Funeral Service, LTD., 2201 Bensonia Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 12, in St. Catherine of Siena Church. Burial to follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Township. Add a tribute: www.brusco-napierfuneralhome.com.