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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E203-E204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF JOHN T. MURPHY
______
HON. TIM RYAN
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John
``Jack'' T. Murphy of Youngstown, Ohio, who passed away peacefully on
February 20, 2020.
John was born on December 17, 1931 in Youngstown as the son of Irish
immigrants, Bridget Durkin Murphy and Michael Murphy. He married Joanne
Mondora on September 13, 1958, who passed away on May 18, 2012.
Together, John and Joanne raised seven children and taught them all, by
their own example, how to cherish their family, their heritage, their
faith and their hometown.
John graduated from South High School in Youngstown in 1950. Upon
his graduation from high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and
proudly served his country in the Korean War. After his military
service, John performed in plays at the Youngstown Playhouse and then
headed ``out west'' to pursue an acting career. He was cast in numerous
roles in many performances in North Dakota, but he ultimately chose to
return to his family and his beloved Youngstown.
Upon his return, John earned his bachelor's degree from Youngstown
State University, and subsequently earned his master's degree from the
University of Akron. John spent his professional career working for the
Youngstown City Schools as an Art teacher, Principal and as a Truant
Officer, retiring in 1993. Also, during his professional life, he was a
Mill Creek Park policeman and proudly served as the 7th Ward Councilman
in the City of Youngstown from 1976 to 1981. He also served as a board
member on the Mahoning County Children Services Board.
As a proud veteran, John was a member of the American Legion for
over fifty years. John had immense pride in both his Irish and Catholic
heritage. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Dominic's
Catholic Church and regularly attended mass at St. Charles Borromeo
Church.
[[Page E204]]
John's hobbies included fly fishing, wood carving, drawing and
watching plays and movies. In addition, after sending all seven of his
children to Cardinal Mooney High School, he became an unwavering fan.
John also took great pride in the fact that his seven children all
graduated from Youngstown State University and would always support its
sporting events, even attending several of the National Championship
games. His love of Notre Dame football was unmatched. Every Saturday
during every Fall, John would be glued to the television watching his
beloved team and made sure to never miss a game. He also traveled to
South Bend whenever he had the opportunity. If he happened to be at an
event during game time, John could be found with his earphones
listening to the game and ready to share the status of the game and the
score.
Above all else, though, the most important thing to John was his
family. He was at his happiest when he was attending his
grandchildren's sporting events and activities. He was so proud of all
of his children and grandchildren, and he found absolute joy in every
moment spent with them. John especially loved to spend every New Year's
Eve with his family, when he would ``drop'' his silver disco ball for
them as they all counted down the last ten seconds to every new year.
John leaves to cherish his memory, his sister, Marie Murphy; sister-
in-law and brother-in law, Adele and George Economus; children, Bridget
(Chris) Weber, Joanie Murphy, John (Linda) Murphy, Jenn (Mike) Ritter,
Mollie Kay, Liz (Dave) Phillips and Dan (Leslie) Murphy; grandchildren,
Jackie, Joe and Jake Weber, John Murphy, Lynnie, Anthony and Daniel
Ritter, Pat, Carolyn and Matthew Kay, Michael, Mark and Jack Phillips
and Luke, Janine and Cara Murphy; his nephew, Dennis Gruber, who was
like a brother to him and numerous other nieces and nephews, known to
them as ``Uncle Jack.''
John was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Kate
Murphy, Jim Murphy, Elizabeth Murphy, Hannah Murphy, Peg Tabor, Rita
Crawford, Betty Murphy, Daniel Murphy and Theresa Bartelmay and his
beloved wife, Joanne.
Mr. Murphy was a long-time Democratic activist, and supporter of
mine. He was a great public servant and advocate for the Mahoning
Valley. My deepest condolences go out to the family and to all whose
lives were touched by John.
____________________