Richard J. “Murph” Murphy, 89

Wellsville, NY – Richard J. “Murph” Murphy, 89, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2022. He was born October 16, 1932, in Wellsville, the son of the late Robert and Helen (Weimer) Murphy. On June 7, 1958 in St. John’s Roman Catholic Church in Olean, he married the former Sally Lundy who predeceased him on April 21, 1990. On July 5, 1997 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville, he married the former Gladys (Sherwood) Sobeck, who survives.

Dick was raised in South Bolivar. He was a 1951 graduate of Bolivar Central School, and attended Geneseo State College. He was drafted into the U. S. Army and served from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War, watching the 38th Parallel.

Murph worked as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service in Wellsville from 1958 until his retirement in 1987. He knew almost everyone in town, he always waved and said “hello”. He was know for being able to recite the addresses and the families who lived at any house in the village; a skill he has retained throughout his life. Dick also sold real estate for several years for Ludden Realty and Wellsville Realty.

He spent may years in the early 1970’s as an “Emerald Green Elf” traveling with Santa Claus (Jack Colligan) to area children, nursing homes, hospitals, and shut ins at Christmas time.  Eventually, this tradition evolved to visiting the older folks, bringing a small gift of hand lotion, etc. often donated by the Emerald Hook & Ladder Co.

Dick was a long-time member, Past Commander, and served with the Honor Guard of the Morrison Hayes Post 702  American Legion, a Life Member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Lodge #1495, a Life Member of the Emerald Hook & Ladder Co. No. 3, a 60 year member of the National Association of Letter Carriers, and a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church.

Surviving, in addition to his wife Gladys, are two sons: James (Kathleen) Murphy and Kevin (Sheila) Murphy; and one daughter, Geralyn (Kenneth) Gough; grandchildren: Daniel, Shawn, Sarah, Richie, and Gavin Murphy.  He is also survived by two step-sons: Robert (Brenda) Sobeck, Dennis (Anne) Sobeck, and step-daughter Reita (Terry) Lynch and step grand children: Meri (Ryan) Madison, Patrick (Jessica) Lynch, Lauren (Shawn) Graham, Benjamin Sobeck and Elizabeth Sobeck; and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and first wife Sally, Dick was predeceased by a son, Matthew, three brothers: Jack (Betty) Murphy, Robert “Tubby” (Marian) Murphy, and Thomas (Roberta) Murphy; and sister Patricia (Richard) Scott.

As per Dick’s wishes, there will be no prior visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Emerald Hook & Ladder, The American Legion Honor Guard, or the Elks Scholarship Fund. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.