Obituary of Francis Patrick Murphy Jr.

Francis Patrick Murphy Jr., Major CA USAR (Ret.), 85, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2015. He was born on November 3, 1929 in Syracuse and was educated in Syracuse Public Schools, CBA, and Central High School. His higher education was at St. Bonaventure University with some advanced studies at the University of Illinois. After graduation from St. Bonaventure, Murphy entered the U.S. Army as a Second Lt. After some assignments in the U.S. he was sent to the Artillery School at Fort Sill, and upon completion was sent to Japan & Korea. He served with the 158 Field Artillery Btn, part of the 45th Infantry Division Artillery. When active combat was over he became involved with the military government. When he returned to civilian life again, by accident he found the 403rd Civil Affairs Btn. He was assigned to that for the next 18 years. Murphy retired from the army as a Major and completed all the requirements at the Fort Gordon Civil Affairs School for a Field Grade Office. In civilian life Murphy was the principal owner, President and CEO of MQ Camera Center, Inc., a supplier of professional and commercial photographic material. He retired in 1996 and sold the business to employees. He was a man of many interests; a consummate sailor, woodworkers, photographer, Irish historian. Many of his grandchildren will have heirloom furniture or clocks that he made. He was the author and co-author of many presentations concerning Irish History and the Irish Famine. He was a long time member of the Syracuse Rotary Club, the Leiderkranz Club, University Club, A.O.H and was a founding member of the Irish American Cultural Institute, where he served on the board of directors for 20 years. Murphy was predeceased by his father and mother, Frank and Agnes Murphy. Murphy is survived by his 1st mate and love of his life, Lioba Dilger, his daughters, Maureen Cusato (Edward) and Deborah Frio (Dr. Richard), sons, Kevin (Desiree) and Francis P. III (Stacy), grandchildren, John and Dr. Bridget Frio, Edward Cusato III (Stephanie), Dana, Ty, Meagan and Sarah Murphy, great- grandchildren, Cailey and Vincent Cusato, and Ella Rose Kittle, sister, Corinne Murphy (Robert Alan Murphy), brother, Edward (Cynthia), and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2015 from 2pm to 5pm at the Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave., Syracuse. Burial will be Monday at 10:00 AM in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Howlett Hill Rd. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Irish American Cultural Institute, P.O. Box 1716, Morristown, NJ 07962 or Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Rd., Marcellus, N.Y. 13108.