Re(3): Dick Murphy

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Re(3): Dick Murphy
Posted on 9/1/2022 at 20:01:12 by Ed Tipshus

RICHARD MURPHY OBITUARY
MURPHY

RICHARD GLENN MURPHY

It is with sadness, yet hope, we announce the passing of Capt Richard Glenn Murphy, USN (Ret.), on August 3, 2022. The oldest child of Marcus Daly Murphy and Katheryn Webber Murphy, Dick was born July 14, 1931, on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Growing up on the west coast, he moved often with his family living in Canada, Oregon, Washington and California.

Always focused and ever-capable, Dick was a born leader. He held positions of leadership throughout his life, whether it was a class office in school, a sports team, a squadron of river boats, a surface warfare US Navy ship or a men's golf league, Dick was comfortable to lead and open to teaching others what he knew along the way.

One of many turning points in Dick's life occurred after a fine high school baseball game in San Diego, his senior year. While he led his team to victory that day by pitching a solid game and collecting several hits, it was a chance encounter with the well-respected Admiral Chester Nimitz that had an impact on him. After complimenting him on his terrific game, the admiral asked him if he had ever considered attending the US Naval Academy, as he felt Dick was the sort of young man they were looking for.

Needless to say, instead of attending the University of California on a football scholarship, Dick took to heart what Admiral Nimitz said and set his sights on Annapolis. After an important transitional year at Wyoming Seminary Prep School near Wilkes-Barre, PA, Dick entered the Naval Academy and became a proud member of the Class of '54. Although he went with the intention of playing football, he made the choice to play baseball and led his team for several years as a starting pitcher.

While at the Academy another extremely important turning point occurred when Martha Lynn Kidd of Baltimore, MD caught his eye. He became determined to meet her. They were married the week of his graduation and spent the next 68 years together criss-crossing the country while proudly and successfully raising three cherished daughters and a son. During his long Naval career, Dick and Lynn traveled from coast to coast living in Coronado, Long Beach, Annapolis, Newport, Monterey, Fairfax, Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

As a line officer, Dick's constructive role of leadership continued with service on several ships. He served as the Commanding Officer of the USS Gallant (MSO-489), USS Lawrence (DDG-4), USS Ponce (LPD-15) and finally the USS Saipan (LHA-2). Mixed in with these assignments were two tours in Viet Nam. Dick was a well-respected "Black-Shoe" earning several medals and commendations, including the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart.

Both teaching and learning were most important to Dick as he attended various schools during his career including the Naval Postgraduate School, the Armed Forces Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, to name a few. However, it was a tour of teaching at the Naval Academy of which he was most fond. He taught both in the classroom and on the baseball field, assisting in any way he could. It is no wonder that at one point all four of his adult children were in the field of education.

Athletics never ended for Dick as he was an avid golfer all his life. After a post-navy career in Crystal City, VA with Advance Marine Enterprises (AME), he and Lynn retired to Kingsmill in Williamsburg, VA. For many many years, Dick led the club with the most rounds played per year, logging well over 300 rounds per year. It wasn't a question of whether he was going to play on a particular day, the question was whether or not to stop after 18 or get an early start and play 36.

Dick enjoyed a full, successful and exciting life. While in the Navy he cruised the world over, playing golf anywhere he could. With his dear wife, he raised a fine family; and as anyone who knew him would tell you, he enjoyed having a good time. Finally, Dick embodied the qualities of loyalty and integrity in ways that few others ever can or will. We will always admire him for these qualities.

The Captain was predeceased by his parents, his brother Michael Denis Murphy, and his sister Joanne Murphy Meyer. Left to celebrate his life and forever remember him are his wife, his daughters Mary Murphy Houlihan (Michael), Nancy Murphy Bennett (Jay), Joanne Murphy, his son Richard Murphy Jr (Peggy), his brother Gary Murphy (Mary), brother-in-law Ken Meyer, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Also, his very special friends Katy and Brad Peterson and their two sons, who are an irreplaceable addition to the family in every way.

Burial at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors will be announced at a later date.
Published by The Washington Post

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