John C. Murphy, affectionately known as “Murph” – 46 – of 31 Oak Hill St, Arkport, NY, died Thursday afternoon (October 14, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a short illness.
Born in Hornell on February 20, 1975, he was the son of Thomas C. & Judy A. (Henshaw) Murphy.
John grew up in Almond and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1993). He later attended Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred).
John was employed for three years at the former Spencer Landscaping of Almond. For 5 years, he worked in the maintenance department of the NYS College of Ceramics at Alfred University. John then spent 13 years working as a pro sales specialist at Lowes in Hornell and most recently as a sales representative at North Main Lumber.
A true outdoorsman, John enjoyed hunting & fishing, as well as maintaining extensive flower and vegetable gardens. He enjoyed spending time in his kitchen, finding a true creative outlet by developing unique dishes that often used the vegetables he grew himself. A particular passion of Murph’s was growing a wide variety of hot peppers that he utilized in homemade hot sauce recipes, as well as having an extensive collection of unique hot sauces that would line a full cupboard.
John was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) fan. Family welcomes friends to wear Steelers apparel or black and yellow to the funeral services. He also enjoyed “Hoisting a Few” with his buddies at the Southside Tavern. John loved music, whether listening to Dave Matthews Band, attending concerts or playing guitar and keyboard, he was a music enthusiast.
He was preceded in death by his son, Connor P. Murphy (died 2007); his mother, Judy A. Murphy (died 2014), his brother, Thomas M. Murphy (died 1987) and both maternal and paternal grandparents.
John was married on July 10, 1999, to the former Kelly Towner who survives and remained his best friend and co-parent. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Madison (George) Matthews of Rochester and Melissa Murphy of Arkport; his father, Thomas C. Murphy of Arkport; his brother, David (Lisa Graham) Murphy of Hornell; his sister, Kelly (Maryann) Murphy of Hornell; nieces, Kaley Murphy and Delaney Murphy; his companion, Beth Ketcham; aunts, uncles & cousins.
The family of John C. Murphy will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fremont, NY.
John’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in his name to the nursing staff at the Cardiac ICU unit at Strong memorial hospital. The entire nursing staff provided excellent care of Murph throughout his short illness.