Man of Avon: John H. Murphy ’56
John Huston Murphy, 80, died on March 22, 2018, at Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor. He was born in Larchmont, N.Y., to William Beverly and Helen Brennan Murphy on June 17, 1937. After attending Avon Old Farms and Franklin and Marshall College, John married his summer sweetheart, Margaret (Peggy) Jarvis Lee of Sargentville, in 1958. They moved to Winston-Salem, N.C., and John embarked on a 30-year career with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
While their time in Winston-Salem was full of friends and adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains, returning to the coast of Maine was never far from their thoughts. The annual 21-hour pilgrimage was a cherished adventure in itself! Exploring the waters and islands of Penobscot Bay created family connection and a deep appreciation for the beauty of Maine.
In 1987, John settled in Sedgwick. He worked at Seal Cove Boatyard for a few years and was active with the Congregational Church of Blue Hill. He volunteered with the Blue Hill Heritage Trust as treasurer and sang with the Bagaduce Chorale.
John tried to live his life with kindness, cheerfulness and a smile. A family man first and foremost, John had a knack for puns, and his goofball sense of humor never failed to bring laughter. His love of M&Ms was monumental, and his grandkids reveled in discovering his secret caches. He will be remembered for his quiet style, willingness to listen and giant heart.
Outside of his family, sailing Eggemoggin Reach and Penobscot Bay was John’s true passion. If you want to find John (aka the “Reach Man”) today, you only have to look to the water where the mast, hull and sail meet the horizon. You will find him at the helm with a soft afternoon breeze at his back.
John is survived by his daughter Lee and husband, David Shrewsbury; son John and wife, Elizabeth; daughter Susan Brennan Murphy; and six grandchildren, Nicholas, Johnny, Blair, Matthew, Wesley, and David. He is also survived by his sister Ann Zabel and brothers Blair and Eric Murphy. He was predeceased by his parents and Peggy.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 30, at 3 p.m. at the Congregational Church of Blue Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Peninsula Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 834, Blue Hill, ME 04614; Deer Isle Fireman’s Association, P.O. Box 275, Deer Isle, ME 04627; or the Memorial Ambulance Corps, Sunshine Road, Deer Isle, ME 04627.