John ""Irish"" Joseph Murphy

Johnny Murphy, long-time well loved resident of Greeley, CO passed away following a brief illness Saturday July 24, 2010 at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, CO. "Murph” was born July 5, 1951 in Parnell, Iowa to Joseph and Rita (Weldon) Murphy. He grew up in Parnell and attended school in Williamsburg. John went on to attend Central College in Pella, IA where he played center on the football team; graduating in 1973. On May 8, 1999 John married Sue (Walter) Murphy in Greeley. John was an avid sports fan, enjoying everything from golf to rugby. He was a Rockies, Cincinnati Reds and Miami Dolphins fan. When "Irish” first moved to Greeley he played catcher for The Bistro and other local leagues. John’s love of baseball carried over to volunteer service for the "Friends of Baseball”. Johnny is survived by wife Sue; daughter, Codie Beeken of Denver, mother, Rita Murphy of Parnell, IA; best friend "Daddy” Glen Walter; sisters Jean (Dennis) Lamm of Wellington, Janet Murphy of Naples, FL and Marilyn (Tom) VonAhsen of St. Louis, MO; sister-in-law Janet (Jack) Lewis; two granddaughters, nieces, nephews and countless friends! John was preceded in death by his father, Joe. The family is having a Celebration of Life Service at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 1800 21st Avenue, Greeley. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the "John Murphy Memorial Fund” or "Friends of Baseball” in care of Adamson Funeral and Cremation Services 2000 47th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634.