John "Jack" Murphy

COLONIE - John Lehman Murphy 87 years old of Colonie, NY passed away on December 26th of 2020. Jack was born and raised in Albany and was the son of the late Cyril J. and Eleanor Lehman Murphy Sr. He was predeceased by his brother Cyril J. Murphy Jr. Jack was a 1953 graduate of Christian Brothers Academy. CBA played an important role in developing who Jack was. He continued to support the school throughout his life.

 Jack was an accomplished athlete and coach. Sports shaped who he was and were responsible for so many relationships in his life. Jack was in the Albany Twilight League Hall of Fame and in the CBA Hall of Fame for his athletic accomplishments! A lifelong coach who influenced so many young people in our community and the surrounding communities. He volunteered at St Clare’s CYO basketball and Colonie Little League and Babe Ruth, giving countless hours. He later went on to coach Varsity sports at Waterford High School and college basketball at Russell Sage College. He fell in love with coaching girls’ sports, as the young ladies he coached work so hard at the fundamentals! If you knew him, sports and winning was in the preparation and the details.

 His love for competition started at a young age. He could often be found playing basketball in the driveway of his mother-in-law on Western Avenue. Jack would fiercely compete with his brother in-laws Michael Meyl, Will Meyl and Brian Meyl. Unfortunately, Will and Mick predeceased Jack. They formed a bond that was very special. Brian Meyl could always be found tagging along with Jack and Linda as they dated and later married. Whether it was playing on the WPTR charity basketball or softball teams with Will and Brian or playing competitive baseball or softball in countless area leagues they were often together and usually winning. If you never saw a 40-year-old run over a catcher, it was a site!

Jack met Linda Jane Meyl in 1963, they married in 1964 and just celebrated their 56th anniversary. They had countless friends from all their activities who were near and dear to their hearts. Together they enjoyed tennis in the early years and golf as they got older. The bond formed with each other and friends too numerous to count, influenced their lives daily. Jack was an amazing friend often calling to just check in.

Jack and Linda Murphy had two Boys, Sean, and Ryan Murphy both graduates of CBA. Sean a resident of Flanders, NJ. His children Erin, Shane and Emma had a special bond with Jack. None more special than Erin’s. Erin could often be found on the phone just checking in on Grandpa. Ryan and his Wife Jeanette live in Monroe Connecticut and their son Dylan also thought Grandpa was larger than life. On Dylan’s last family visit he got to spend time talking to Grandpa about his football season and in true coach fashion, Dylan got some tips that I am sure he will remember. Jack is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Jack held several positions throughout his work life and retired from the state Office of Governmental Services (OGS). He truly found his calling when he ran for office as a Trustee in the Village of Colonie. 25 years later he has served the residents of Colonie as both the Deputy Mayor and a Trustee. He truly enjoyed talking to people in the village and championing causes that would help his neighbors.

Jack did not travel much as he thought the Capital District had everything he needed to see. He loved Lake George and was able to get out on the lake this summer. He will be truly missed by his family and friends, but we know he will be watching over us.

Due to Covid restrictions and the anticipated turn out, funeral services will be private at Cannon Funeral Home. We will have a public memorial service at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Jack Murphy’s name to Christian Brothers Academy, 12 Airline Dr Albany, NY 12205. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.