[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E203-E204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF JOHN T. MURPHY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2020

  Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John 
``Jack'' T. Murphy of Youngstown, Ohio, who passed away peacefully on 
February 20, 2020.
   John was born on December 17, 1931 in Youngstown as the son of Irish 
immigrants, Bridget Durkin Murphy and Michael Murphy. He married Joanne 
Mondora on September 13, 1958, who passed away on May 18, 2012. 
Together, John and Joanne raised seven children and taught them all, by 
their own example, how to cherish their family, their heritage, their 
faith and their hometown.
   John graduated from South High School in Youngstown in 1950. Upon 
his graduation from high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and 
proudly served his country in the Korean War. After his military 
service, John performed in plays at the Youngstown Playhouse and then 
headed ``out west'' to pursue an acting career. He was cast in numerous 
roles in many performances in North Dakota, but he ultimately chose to 
return to his family and his beloved Youngstown.
   Upon his return, John earned his bachelor's degree from Youngstown 
State University, and subsequently earned his master's degree from the 
University of Akron. John spent his professional career working for the 
Youngstown City Schools as an Art teacher, Principal and as a Truant 
Officer, retiring in 1993. Also, during his professional life, he was a 
Mill Creek Park policeman and proudly served as the 7th Ward Councilman 
in the City of Youngstown from 1976 to 1981. He also served as a board 
member on the Mahoning County Children Services Board.
   As a proud veteran, John was a member of the American Legion for 
over fifty years. John had immense pride in both his Irish and Catholic 
heritage. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Dominic's 
Catholic Church and regularly attended mass at St. Charles Borromeo 
Church.

[[Page E204]]

   John's hobbies included fly fishing, wood carving, drawing and 
watching plays and movies. In addition, after sending all seven of his 
children to Cardinal Mooney High School, he became an unwavering fan. 
John also took great pride in the fact that his seven children all 
graduated from Youngstown State University and would always support its 
sporting events, even attending several of the National Championship 
games. His love of Notre Dame football was unmatched. Every Saturday 
during every Fall, John would be glued to the television watching his 
beloved team and made sure to never miss a game. He also traveled to 
South Bend whenever he had the opportunity. If he happened to be at an 
event during game time, John could be found with his earphones 
listening to the game and ready to share the status of the game and the 
score.
   Above all else, though, the most important thing to John was his 
family. He was at his happiest when he was attending his 
grandchildren's sporting events and activities. He was so proud of all 
of his children and grandchildren, and he found absolute joy in every 
moment spent with them. John especially loved to spend every New Year's 
Eve with his family, when he would ``drop'' his silver disco ball for 
them as they all counted down the last ten seconds to every new year.
   John leaves to cherish his memory, his sister, Marie Murphy; sister-
in-law and brother-in law, Adele and George Economus; children, Bridget 
(Chris) Weber, Joanie Murphy, John (Linda) Murphy, Jenn (Mike) Ritter, 
Mollie Kay, Liz (Dave) Phillips and Dan (Leslie) Murphy; grandchildren, 
Jackie, Joe and Jake Weber, John Murphy, Lynnie, Anthony and Daniel 
Ritter, Pat, Carolyn and Matthew Kay, Michael, Mark and Jack Phillips 
and Luke, Janine and Cara Murphy; his nephew, Dennis Gruber, who was 
like a brother to him and numerous other nieces and nephews, known to 
them as ``Uncle Jack.''
   John was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Kate 
Murphy, Jim Murphy, Elizabeth Murphy, Hannah Murphy, Peg Tabor, Rita 
Crawford, Betty Murphy, Daniel Murphy and Theresa Bartelmay and his 
beloved wife, Joanne.
   Mr. Murphy was a long-time Democratic activist, and supporter of 
mine. He was a great public servant and advocate for the Mahoning 
Valley. My deepest condolences go out to the family and to all whose 
lives were touched by John.

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