Patrick J. Murphy, retired US Army LTC, from Massena

MASSENA, New York (WWNY) – Patrick J. Murphy, retired U.S. Army LTC, died Oct. 24, 2022 at Rochester Regional Hospital, with his family by his side. Arrangements are in the care and control of Phillips Memorial Home, 64 Andrews St. Massena, NY.

Patrick was the son of Oral and Mamie Murphy and was born June 24, 1939 and grew up on Ames Street in Massena. He attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Massena High School. He was voted MVP in his Jr. and Sr. year in football, track and field, and wrestling. Patrick was a graduate of the United States Military Academy in 1961. While at West Point he wrote in wrestling, the match was televised, nationwide, on Wide World of Sports, where he won the victory over the NAVY.

Her roommate at West Point was George Joulwan, a four-star general and commander of NATO forces during the Bosnian conflict.

George gave Pat his book “Watchman at The Gates”, George was General Haig’s assistant in the White House during “Watergate”. The front was written by Tom Brokaw, “A Good Read”!!

In the book, he talks about West Point and an incredible prank that Pat played. After graduating from West Point in June 1961, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army.

On July 1, 1961, Pat married Willa, wife of 61, after serving a three-year enlistment in the United States Army, for GI Bill benefits and then attending college.

They were introduced to church, after mass by friends in 1960. They fell in love over the phone and were married at Sacred Heart Church in Highland Falls, NY, by the late Msgr. Joseph Moody, a World War II naval chaplain.

Pat was first trained at Fort. Benning, GA, where he completed Ranger School and paratrooper training. While at Fort. Lewis, WA, Pat was encouraged to move from infantry to intelligence while serving in Germany. Pat did and eventually joined military intelligence.

Pat toured Vietnam twice, several months in Cambodia with the Embassy after a grenade was thrown into the compound, while staff played volleyball in the yard, killing and injuring those who got there found. Pat was then posted to Turkey, to NATO Headquarters, and then to Washington DC. Pat never worked at the Pentagon, but did security inspections there.

Pat retired from the military in June 1981. He worked for a company that improved security TECH, under contract with the military and the federal government. Back in Masséna in 1986 with a business project for guest rooms for athletes. The property he bought turned out to be too old and not in line with his business plan. There was a bar and rooms that could be rented long term. Two elderly men lived there at the time of purchase.

Pat became a bartender and a darts player. He was encouraged to run for county legislator, but lost. Pat did not register to vote until he retired from the military. He believed the military should be apolitical. He closed the bar in 1996. He worked with others to plan and develop business in the area until serious health issues developed. Pas was recognized as an Agent Orange veteran.

Survived by his 61-year-old wife Willa, daughter Loreen and son Byran (Trish); one brother Tim (Patti) Murphy, of Poughkeepsie, NY; granddaughters, Megan and Bonnie Anderson, Charlottesville, VA, one grandson Sean Magnus Murphy, student at Xavier College Cincinnati, OH.

Special cousins, big sister and real sister Loreen (Spaulding) School. Sisters of Notre Dame and brother Tom (Angie) Spaulding of Saratoga, NY. In addition to his parents Oral and Mamie Murphy, Pat was predeceased by brother Bill and sister Cyndee and son Patrick J. Murphy.

Roll call hours for Pat will be on Veterans Day, November 11, 2022, at the Phillips Memorial Home, Massena, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A Christian burial mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Church, Louisville, NY. Interment to follow in the parish cemetery.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Pat’s memory to the Massena Rescue Team, they responded to Lifeline’s calls for them to be lifted from the ground. Where this time?? When they arrived home, bedroom, dining room, but please, not the bathroom yet!! Massena Rescue Squad, 371 E. Orvis St. Massena, NY 13662; Trinity School; 188 Main St. Massena, NY 13662, the Police Activities League; 30 Bayley Road, Massena, NY 13662, Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club; PO Box 490, Akwesasne, NY 13655.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories, photos and condolences online by visiting www.PhillipsMemorial.com

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