Norman J. Murphy

Norman Joseph Murphy, 86, of Blairsville, passed away on Monday February 5, 2024, at the Willow Fork Special Care Center in Katy, TX.

Born in Munster, PA on December 4, 1937, Norm was the son of the late Leo and Esther (Krug) Murphy. A graduate of Cresson Joint High School, his fondest memories were of his coaches, teammates, and achievements as a member of both the football and wrestling teams.  Upon graduation, Norm joined the United States Marine Corp and spent his service as a member of the 2nd Amphibian Tractor Battalion and military police.  He retired from Pennsylvania Electric after 36 years as a lineman and district supervisor.  Many came to know him as he provided utility maintenance service to Blairsville and Indiana county during all times of the day, night, and weather.

Norman spent the majority of his adult life in Blairsville. He was a devoted husband and father to three boys.  He set an example of faith, honesty, hard work, and devotion to family that still resonates today with his sons and those that knew him well.  He was known best as “Pappy” to his grandchildren. An avid outdoorsman, he spent much of his spare time in the woods hunting or near lakes and streams fishing for trout.  He shared his love of the outdoors with his family, making camping trips the focus of most family vacations.  He enjoyed sports, cheering on his beloved Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, Penn State Nittany Lions and Blairsville Bobcats.  Norm shared priceless stories with his friends and family regarding all his experiences and accomplishments with sports, the Marines, Penelec, hunting and fishing.  Norm was devoted to his faith and remained committed to praying the rosary.  He was a member of St. Simon and Jude Catholic Church and longtime supporter of St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Left to cherish his memory are his three sons, Joseph Murphy and wife, Christy, of Houston, TX, Leo Murphy and wife, Silvana, of Chesapeake, VA, Thomas Murphy and wife, Cheryl of Collierville, TN; brothers, Roger Murphy, Francis Murphy and wife, Loretta, and sister Bernadette Oatman and husband, Robert; eight grandchildren one great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. Norman was preceded in death by the love of his life and devoted wife of 59 years, Vera J. (Lauer) Murphy, his parents, brother John Murphy, and sister in-law Helen M. Murphy.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10am on Saturday February 24, 2024, at Holy Name Catholic Church, 500 N. Julian St, Ebensburg, with burial following at Holy Name Cemetery, Ebensburg.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Melinda Shields who provided care and friendship during his last years at home, and to the staffs of St Andrew’s Village in Indiana, PA, and the Willow Fork Special Care Center in Katy, TX for their wonderful care to Norman during his time there.