Robert "Buzz" Milton Murphy

Robert Milton (“Buzz”) Murphy passed away peacefully at his home in Sigel, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania on 16 August 2022 after a long illness. He was born 9 June 1933 in Ridgway, Elk County, Pennsylvania to Edward Mitchell Murphy and Agnes Virginia Ragnhild Carlson, who both preceded him in death. Robert had five siblings, who also all preceded him in death: Charles Carlson Murphy, Louise Jennie Murphy, Phyllis Beverly Murphy, Edward Wayne Murphy, and Bruce Franklin Murphy. 

Robert grew up in the small Pennsylvania town of Ridgway in Elk County. He held down various positions of employment during high school, then after graduation, went to work at the Speer Carbon factory in St. Marys, Pennsylvania in 1951.  Robert entered military service in the United States Army Corps of Engineers in May 1953, and served his country proudly during the US-Korean conflict. After his honorable discharge in May 1955, he resumed his career at Speer Carbon as a quality control inspector.

On 6 May 1957, Robert married Virginia Martha Eckert, the daughter of Ferdinand William and Sara Catherine (née Wolfe) Eckert in Olean, Cattaraugus County, New York. They had three living children: Robert Jennings (m. to Shelly Poppleton), Patrick Eugene (deceased, m. to Patricia Allen), and Colleen Elizabeth Murphy (m. to Raymond Hansen). Robert and Virginia also had six beloved grandchildren: Ryan Murphy (deceased), Breanna Murphy, Bethany Hansen, Adam Hansen, Alyssa Hansen and Britta Hansen. They also had five great-grandchildren.

Robert was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 18 November 1972 in Jamestown, New York. For nearly forty years, he was a faithful member of the Church congregations in Kane, Ridgway, and Brookville, Pennsylvania.

After retiring from Speer (Airco) Carbon in January 1995, Robert stayed busy at home. He enjoyed gardening. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing and hunting. He continued to serve in Church leadership positions. Most of all, Robert loved to spend time with his family and extended family. Known for his legendary wit, Robert’s dry sense of humor created laughter wherever he went. He continued to uplift the spirits of others until he was called home to his Lord, and will always be remembered for many good things—especially for his love and support of his family and friends.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, August 21, 2022, from 2pm to 4pm at the McKinney – d’Argy Funeral Home, 345 Main Street, Brookville, PA 15825. A second viewing will take place on Monday, August 22, 2022, from 10am to 10:45am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2765 Maplevale Rd., Brookville, PA 15825. A funeral service will take place immediately following the viewing, beginning at 11am and officiated by Bishop Bryan Neal. Interment will take place at Parklawn Memorial Gardens, Ridgway, Elk County, PA. Online condolences and other information may be found by visiting www.dargyfh.com

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