Murph Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 (edited) He was born in 1922 to immigrant parents who barely spoke English, and in his first four years of grade school the nuns taught all of the classes in Polish. He starred in high school sports, as basketball forward, baseball shortstop, and football quarterback and captain of the team despite being only 5’4”; as a joke his coach gave him the nickname of "Murph", because the coach and almost everybody else on the team was Irish. After high school graduation he joined the Army, becoming a Ranger and saw landings and tough combat in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy before being wounded at Anzio for the third time, this time badly enough to start his long trip home. After returning home he married, graduated college, and raised a family. He again starred in sports at college, playing basketball and baseball, despite the two Mg 42 rounds he had taken in his leg, leaving a large divot, complications, and pain that would nag him for the rest of his life. He and his wife, who never graduated high school, worked full time, plus he worked two part time jobs to send all three of his sons to prep school and college in a blue collar neighborhood where college was very much the exception. He proudly watched the oldest son grow up to become a teacher and noted high school football coach, his second son go into politics and become the Deputy Mayor of one of the largest cities in America, and his youngest son become a fighter pilot. He also suffered the loss of his beloved wife of 33 years to cancer, and through it all he was one of those people you meet in life that are truly good, without a bad bone in their body. He would have been 94 this October, but he died in his sleep this weekend. Goodbye Dad. Edited July 10, 2016 by Murph Quote Link to post Share on other sites
farmerboy Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 (edited) I'm sorry for your loss, my dad passed in 96. A marine who served in the Pacific Theatre in WWII. They truly were part of the Greatest Generation. Thank you for your service Murph! Edited July 9, 2016 by farmerboy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Stephen Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Stephen Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Trigger Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 So terribly sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew D. the Jolly Rogers guy Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 I'm so, so sorry for your loss, Murph.... sincerest condolences and blessings.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ken Middleton Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 Murph, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, I know how much he meant to you, and inspired you; you spoke highly of him so much over the years, and deservedly so. Nancy and I send our deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family, Ken Quote Link to post Share on other sites
STEN8 Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 Murph, Thoughts and prayers to you and yours. Stout hearts. Harry Lutz, FL Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Don Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 I know what its like to lose your Dad. So very sorry for your loss Murph. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. . Don. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SBARC Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 You were a lucky son to have him as a Dad and I suspect he was quite proud to have you as his son. I'm sorry his body has passed on...but his spirit remains very much alive in your heart....you will feel him around you for the rest of your life. He isn't really gone....he's just next door in a room with a door you can't open. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gary F Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 Very sorry for your loss, Murph. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Roberts Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 Your story brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye. What a lovely, moving tribute. I can only wish that the younger generation would have the same drive as your dad did. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
myuziweighsaton Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 Everyone dies, but not everyone lives. Whatever this existence is, I'd bet your father made the most of it. One day we will all meet again at a great feast and laugh together. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Slartibartfast Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 Sorry to hear of your loss. I wish to thank you and your family for your service. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Scooby Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 Sorry for your loss Murph, you have long been one of my favourites here. Your dad was obviously a great man and he lives on in what he taught you. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
yardbird78 Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 May he forever rest in peace with the Heavenly Father. Darwin Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GEH737 Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 My sincere condolences Murph - your father obviously set very high standards, and you have every right to be extremely proud. Hitch Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Murph Posted July 10, 2016 Author Share Posted July 10, 2016 You were a lucky son to have him as a Dad... Steve, That's always how I felt. Thank you everybody for the kind words and condolences. Regards, Murph Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Albert Moore Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 Hey Murph- I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Dad. With Sympathy, Albert Quote Link to post Share on other sites
k5ikl Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 (edited) Murph, condolences to you and the family on the loss of your dad. May he rest in peace in that new place he is now. Sounds like he was a terrific dad and man, the kind every boy should have. :salute:/> To another one from the greatest generation. Thank you. Jerry Edited July 10, 2016 by k5ikl Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TaiidanTomcat Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 Godspeed Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Crazy Snap Captain Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 Condolences to your family Murph. Your father sounds like he was a great man. May he rest in peace. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Murph Posted July 11, 2016 Author Share Posted July 11, 2016 Again, my thanks to those who have posted or PMed me with condolences. Regards, Murph Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AX 365 Posted July 11, 2016 Share Posted July 11, 2016 Murph, Your dad sounds like an amazing man who skillfully and successfully played the cards life dealt him. It's obvious you were very proud of him and by the way you spoke, he of you and your mom and your siblings. With deepest sympathies, Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drifterdon Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 Murph, So sorry to hear of your loss. Dads are the greatest and yours sounds like he was the cream of the crop. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Don Quote Link to post Share on other sites
flanker27 Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 Condolences to you and your family, rip to your dad Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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