Celebrating the life of
Jeremiah Patrick Murphy
October 19, 1934 - May 25, 2010
SAVANNAH - Jeremiah Patrick Murphy Jerry passed away peacefully at Savannah Hospice House on May 25, 2010 after a brief illness of brain cancer. Jerry is survived by Mary Lyons Murphy, his devoted wife of almost 45 years, and one daughter, Mary Frances Murphy of Savannah and his special companion Tigger "cat"; cousins Kathleen Keely, Sally Anne and Tom Quinn and Jack McGauvran and wife Kathy and many dear friends and neighbors. He was predeceased by his parents Ann and Jeremiah Murphy of Inwood on the Hudson, New York. Jerry and Mary were both born and raised in New York City. They met while Jerry was with Ford Motor Corporation and she with General Motors. Later, Jerry would join General Motors, where he rose to zone manager of Buick Motor Division, serving in the New York, Pittsburgh and Atlanta zones. Jerry retired after 30-plus year career with GM. Jerry continued his involvement with the automobile business, having been summoned to work on special projects with dealers for several years beyond his retirement. In 2001, Jerry and his family moved from Atlanta to The Landings, in Savannah, Georgia.
Jerry developed a love for the South during his youth, having lived in Alabama for a time while his father was completing officer's training school with the Army. He relished the times GM would transfer him to Georgia. Jerry loved being a Southerner but proudly maintained a "bit" of his New York accent.
Jerry will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and wonderful loyal friend. Those who knew Jerry knew that he was a very intelligent gentle man with a great sense of humor. His dry wit frequently caught his friends off guard.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 26 from 5pm to 7 pm at Fox and Weeks' Hodgson Chapel, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31406. A Rosary Service will be held at 6:00 p.m.
A Memorial Mass celebrating the life of Jeremiah Patrick Murphy will be held on Thursday, May 27 at 10am at St. James the Less, Catholic Church, 8412 Whitfield Avenue, Savannah, Georgia followed by interment at The Catholic Cemetery.
Remembrances may be made to St. James Catholic Church, 8412 Whitfield Ave., Savannah, GA 31406 or Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.
We first met Mary and Jerry at a New Years Eve part at Oakridge Club House at The Landings. To only meet them again same time same place the following year. We enjoyed Mary and Jerry's company and of course Mary's wonderful sense of humor. They were a wonderful couple and will be missed by all. Mary has lots of friends especially at The Landings who will be by her side during these lonely times. Peace and love to you Mary. Barbara and Bob Schmelzer
- Barbara and Bob Schmelzer, Savannah, GA
Jerry had the gift of laughter and generously shared it with all he encountered. No matter what the situation, he could be counted on to make a quiet comment that would make you smile. I don't believe God makes gentlemen like him anymore. He is a great loss.
- Carol Lee Daniel, Pittsburgh, PA
The Savannah American Cancer Society wishes to express its heart felt condolance on the passing of Jeremiah Patrick Murphy Jerry. Our hopes and prayers are with the Murphy family in this difficult time.
- American Cancer Society, Savannah, GA
Jerry was a great man my prayers go out to the entire family, I worked with him when he was in the Buick New York Zone.
- Jerry Garrett, Dallas, TX
I had the honor of working with Jerry when he was the Assistant Zone Manager in the Atlanta Zone. He was a very nice man. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with the family. God bless you and keep you close in your time of sadness
- Charles W. Powell, Birmingham, AL
Mary and Mary Frances - I'm so sorry about Jerry. He was such a wonderful person and I always enjoyed your visits. You are in my prayers at this time. Love - Jacqueline
- Jacqueline Keeley Peticca, Franklin Lakes, NJ
Mary, we are so sorry to learn of Jerry's passing. You and your family are in our prayers.
- Colin and Jackie Stewart, Savannah, GA
It was always a pleasure working with Jerry.
- Andy Furchak, , NJ
Jerry and I were Zone Managers together and while I never had the opportunity to work with Jerry, have many wonderful memories of being with him in our Zone Manager Meetings. Our deepest sympathies on his passing. He was a wonderful man. Lyle Pennington
- Lyle Pennington, Moorpark, CA
It was a real honor, and a lot of fun, to work for 'Murph' in the Philadelphia Zone as a District Manager. All of our thoughts and prayers are for Mary and the family.
- Pat and Mary Lou Callahan, Covington, LA
Jerry was my Zone Manager in Pittsburgh, PA and we worked in the Atlanta Zone too. We had a great time and I learned a lot. My prayers go out to the Murphy family.
- Kirk Palis, Savannah, GA
Thankful to God for the blessings of having Jerry and Mary in our lives all these years and many happy, fun, and wonderful times and shared strength for the tough times. We treasuure and will remember him, knowing he rests with God. Our love and prayers. Bill and Jo
- Bill and Jo Davidson, Atlanta, GA
We first met Mary and Jerry at a New Years Eve part at Oakridge Club House at The Landings. To only meet them again same time same place the following year. We enjoyed Mary and Jerry's company and of course Mary's wonderful sense of humor. They were a wonderful couple and will be missed by all. Mary has lots of friends especially at The Landings who will be by her side during these lonely times. Peace and love to you Mary. Barbara and Bob Schmelzer
- Barbara and Bob Schmelzer, Savannah, GA
Jerry had the gift of laughter and generously shared it with all he encountered. No matter what the situation, he could be counted on to make a quiet comment that would make you smile. I don't believe God makes gentlemen like him anymore. He is a great loss.
- Carol Lee Daniel, Pittsburgh, PA
The Savannah American Cancer Society wishes to express its heart felt condolance on the passing of Jeremiah Patrick Murphy Jerry. Our hopes and prayers are with the Murphy family in this difficult time.
- American Cancer Society, Savannah, GA
Jerry was a great man my prayers go out to the entire family, I worked with him when he was in the Buick New York Zone.
- Jerry Garrett, Dallas, TX
I had the honor of working with Jerry when he was the Assistant Zone Manager in the Atlanta Zone. He was a very nice man. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with the family. God bless you and keep you close in your time of sadness
- Charles W. Powell, Birmingham, AL
Mary and Mary Frances - I'm so sorry about Jerry. He was such a wonderful person and I always enjoyed your visits. You are in my prayers at this time. Love - Jacqueline
- Jacqueline Keeley Peticca, Franklin Lakes, NJ
Mary, we are so sorry to learn of Jerry's passing. You and your family are in our prayers.
- Colin and Jackie Stewart, Savannah, GA
It was always a pleasure working with Jerry.
- Andy Furchak, , NJ
Jerry and I were Zone Managers together and while I never had the opportunity to work with Jerry, have many wonderful memories of being with him in our Zone Manager Meetings. Our deepest sympathies on his passing. He was a wonderful man. Lyle Pennington
- Lyle Pennington, Moorpark, CA
It was a real honor, and a lot of fun, to work for 'Murph' in the Philadelphia Zone as a District Manager. All of our thoughts and prayers are for Mary and the family.
- Pat and Mary Lou Callahan, Covington, LA
Jerry was my Zone Manager in Pittsburgh, PA and we worked in the Atlanta Zone too. We had a great time and I learned a lot. My prayers go out to the Murphy family.
- Kirk Palis, Savannah, GA
Thankful to God for the blessings of having Jerry and Mary in our lives all these years and many happy, fun, and wonderful times and shared strength for the tough times. We treasuure and will remember him, knowing he rests with God. Our love and prayers. Bill and Jo
- Bill and Jo Davidson, Atlanta, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
