Hugh Murphy

Hugh Murphy, Sr. 89, of Coconut Creek, Florida passed away on July 24, 2018 at his home.

Born on October 1, 1928 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Hugh attended St. Comgall’s school and met and married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Lily) Murphy (née Morrison). In 1956 they emigrated from Belfast and began a life in Yonkers, New York. Together they raised four children and attended both St. Joseph’s and Sacred Heart parishes. He worked for 35 years at General Motors on Beekman Avenue in Tarrytown, retiring in 1988. Upon retirement the Murphy’s moved to Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. In 2013, Hugh and his daughters moved to Coconut Creek, Florida, where he remained until his death.

Hugh was a passionate patriot whose love for both his native country, Ireland, and his adopted country, the United States was demonstrated often by enthusiastically singing the national anthems of each. He loved music and his beautiful tenor voice could often be heard late into the night. A particular favorite musician was Bing Crosby, but he loved and sang all genres of music.

He was a strong believer in human rights and supported multiple organizations such as Amnesty International, various veterans organizations, and the NAACP to ensure that the rights of others were protected. Active in the Church, he served as an usher for many years at the 5:00 PM Mass on Sunday at Sacred Heart in Yonkers. He also volunteered to help with the weekly Bingo games at both Sacred Heart and St. Helen’s parish in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida where he called the numbers.

Hugh was a devout family man and there was nothing he loved more than spending time in their company listening to stories of their experiences and sharing his own. Family was not limited to those related to him by blood. He was quick to offer help and compassion to all who came into his life. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lily, his eldest son Hugh, and his eldest daughter, Sheila. He is survived by his son Gary Murphy (Helen Bell Murphy) of Dania Beach, Florida and his daughter Linda Murphy of Coconut Creek, Florida, as well as two granddaughters, Amanda and Crystal Murphy. In addition he was the beloved “Uncle Hugh” to multiple generations of nieces and nephews in Belfast.

A viewing will be held at Serenity Funeral Home in North Lauderdale, Florida on Monday July 30, 2018 from 4 - 8 PM and a funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Roman Catholic Church also in North Lauderdale, on Tuesday July 31, 2018.

Wake service will take place during the visitation at 7:00 P.M.

In lieu of memorial flowers, a donation may be made to the Alzheimer’s association in Hugh’s name.