Gerard Murphy

Gerard J. Murphy, age 80, a 40-year resident of Royal Oak, formerly of Florida, died December 28, 2010 at his home. He was born April 28, 1930 in Detroit. Mr. Murphy was employed as a pipe fitter for 62 years. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and served as an usher for 32 years at the Shrine. He is survived by his wife, Veda L. Mathews Murphy, the couple married July 22, 1986; children, Cynthia M. Mark Welch of Royal Oak, Gerard P. Charlotte Murphy of Holly, Maureen E. Michael Boyd of Clarkston, Timothy J. Jenny Murphy, PhD of Findlay, OH and Suzanne M. Theodore Taggart of Colorado Springs, CO; stepchildren, Steven J. Luanne Criger of Auburn Hills, Colleen M. Daniel Stephens of Bowmanville, Ontario, Stanley B. Christina Dolby-Criger of Sterling Heights, Louise A. Ronald Cardinas of Royal Oak, Lenore M. Chris Bailey of Clarksville, TN and Donna M. Aoghian Lakes of Ferndale; siblings, Geraldine Murphy his twin of Farmington, Rosemary Murphy of Warren and Patricia Piaceski of Washington Township; 21 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin J. Murphy; and sister, Betty Quinn. The visitation will be Thursday 12-9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Rosary at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W Eleven Mile Road 4 blks. E of Woodward, Royal Oak. Mr. Murphy will lie in state Friday 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Royal Oak, with the Rev. Edward Prus officiating. The burial will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield. Memorials to the Fr. Solanus Guild or St. Mary Catholic Church appreciated. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.