John "Jack" R Murphy

John (Jack) R. Murphy, 93, passed peacefully on Saturday, April 28, 2018.

Raised in Monson, MA, Jack moved to Loretto, PA as a young professional and was an associate professor of history at Saint Francis University for over 50 years.  Jack was an alumnus (both undergraduate and graduate (magna cum laude)) of Notre Dame University and completed post- graduate studies at Columbia University.

 Jack’s accomplishments at Saint Francis University include teaching, serving as the acting chair of the Department of History and Political Science, and moderating two active clubs - The Historians Round Table and the Socratic Club. During his tenure, he received the Glencoe Distinguished Teacher Award by the Pennsylvania Geographical Society and was named professor emeritus upon his retirement.

Jack was an extensive traveler visiting every state in the United States as well as numerous countries in Europe, the Middle East, South America and northern Africa.  One of his favorite quotes attributed to the philosopher Seneca was, “I am not born for one corner; the whole world is my native land.”

Jack was the son of the late Thomas F. and Mary A. (Hogan) Murphy.  He leaves his brother William F. Murphy of Monson. MA and many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his brother Thomas B. Murphy and his sisters, Mary Parker, Helen Colling and Dorothy Harris.  

The family would like to thank all of Jack’s caregivers especially his friend Tate Miller for the exceptional care he provided during the past several months.

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