Obituary of Arthur J. Murphy

Edison - Arthur J. Murphy 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, January 5, 2014 at Genesis Eldercare - The Woodlands in Plainfield. Born and raised in Forty Fort, Pa.. to the late James and Genevieve, Arthur was the only brother to four older sisters. He entered the United States Navy at age 18, serving stateside in Maryland until his discharge in 1946. Upon his honorable discharge, Arthur settled to Edison where he has resided for his entire life. He began working at Union Carbide in the Bound Brook warehouse and later began a career in Sales and Management. He initially worked for Douglas Overhead Door and then for Berry Steel prior to retiring from VanDoren-Johnson Company, an electrical supply company in North Brunswick where he worked for many years. Arthur was an active man who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Most important to him was the time spent traveling to the many sporting events of his grandchildren. He was a member of the Father and Son American Legion Post #435 in Edison where he served as Vice Commander and was also instrumental with the construction of their building which is the place he met his future wife, Ruth, while tending bar. Arthur was a member of the Bound Brook Masonic Lodge, served as the President of the Neighborhood Association in Eagle Point where they planned recreation programs for kids. He coached his daughter in the Edison Angels Softball League, served as President of the Lincoln School PTA in Edison and was a member of the Metuchen - Edison Senior Citizens and Edison AARP. Additionally, Arthur loved to garden flowers and vegetables, watching the Giants and Mets and while spending time in Eagle Point; fishing, crabbing and boating. In February he was elected "King of Hearts" of the Woodlands. His wife, Ruth McClay Murphy died in 2006. Also predeceased are his four sisters; Lois Sterling, Carol Evans, Edna Doran and Irma Shirley. Surviving are his daughter and son in law, Nancy & Kevin Murtagh and his two dear grandchildren, Brian & Lyndsey Murtagh. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 10:30 AM in the McCriskin - Gustafson Home For Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield, NJ 07080. Entombment will follow in Lake Nelson Memorial Park, Piscataway. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 3-7 PM in the funeral home.