Obituary of Bernard J. Murphy

Bernard (Bern) Joseph Murphy, 98, of Franklin Lakes, NJ, formerly of Floral Park, NY, passed away on June 27, 2019. 

Bern was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Patricia (nee Moran) and his daughter and son-in-law Patricia and Joseph Fowler. He is survived by his sons, Brian and his wife, Virginia, Kevin and his wife, Laurie, his sister, Agnes Murphy, his brother, Eddie Murphy, his seven grandchildren, Michelle Amato, Bryan Fowler, Ryan Jeske, James Murphy, Kelly Murphy, Sean Murphy and Katie Murphy and four great grandchildren, Sage Fowler, Penelope Jeske, Sloane Jeske and Graham Murphy. 

Bern served his country proudly in the US Coast Guard and after as a NYC Police Officer for 25 years. After his retirement from the police department, he worked for another 20 years for the NYS Insurance Department as a legal prep man. 

He was a Eucharistic Minister for many years at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Elmont, NY. He also coached his sons in basketball and baseball. He was an avid fan of their high school and college sporting events, driving all over the northeast. He enjoyed travelling with his wife and family to Europe and many places in the United States. 

Following the death of his wife in 2009, Bern moved to NJ and enjoyed being near his sons and grandchildren. He was known at the Horizons for his upbeat demeanor, smiling face and his daily walks. Bern will be greatly missed by his family and friends. 

The Murphy family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 2, 9:00 until 10:30 am at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home (www.vpfh.com), 257 Godwin Ave, Wyckoff. Funeral mass will follow at 11:00 am at St Elizabeth’s Church, 700 Wyckoff Ave, Wyckoff. Interment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund, 156 West 56th St, NY, NY 10019 (www.answerthecall.org)