Obituary of Walter J. Murphy

Walter Murphy, age 90, of Southport, beloved husband of Eileen Ryder Murphy, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2021. 

In addition to his devoted wife Eileen, he will be remembered by his loving family including children, Laura Cintorino and her husband David, Brian Murphy and his wife MaryAnn, Tara Burke and her husband Tim; his cherished grandchildren, Jessica, Olivia, Alexandra Erim, Keaton, and Lucas Cintorino, Madison and Brendan Murphy, Murphy Burke; many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and great friends.

Born in Astoria, New York, Walter was the son of the late Michael and Florence Noonan Murphy. He proudly served as a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War, and later graduated from New York University on the GI Bill. He worked for Sterling National Bank his entire career and retired as a Vice President of Auditing. Like so many gifted and accomplished auditors, Walter’s keen attention to detail and dedication to his company and staff were matched only by his dedicated passion for family and friends, his beloved dogs and cats, his love for the ocean, and his faith. He was a rare combination of someone who found great joy in these passions and an even greater joy when sharing them with those he loved.

Walter lived in Port Washington, NY for over 50 years, where he fell in love with Long Island Sound. The picturesque tidal waters, to which Walter spent hours entertaining family, neighbors, and his four-legged friends, delivered great joy as he often marveled at the wonder of how the sun sparkled atop the ocean’s waves. Always tanned which brightened the twinkle in his Irish eyes, Walter often opened his doors to the town’s social scene, and he was always the life of the party. No Port Washington celebration was complete without Walter’s rendition of Chattanooga Choo Choo, and the home where he and Eileen built their life and family was always filled with the ultimate community of relationships overflowing with love and support.

Walter was also a man of great faith. He was a member and longtime lector at Our Lady of Fatima and served his beloved parish well. Although bigger-than-life, even bigger was Walter’s heart, his devotion to his Catholic faith, and his commitment to doing the right thing for others.

Over the past seven years, Walter and Eileen lived in Southport where their daughter Tara's family resides. He truly cherished these past few years where he met and became friends to many wonderful people in his condo complex.

For those who knew Walter, and ache with his passing, they will have no trouble imagining his paradise: a packed church listening on his every word about what it means to have faith; the likes of his furry friends leading him on a long walk to a pristine sandy beach and a sun-glittering ocean; and the faint sounds in the distance of a Glenn Miller classic just waiting for him to burst into song.

Friends are invited to join his family for a funeral mass in Saint Anthony Church, Fairfield on Saturday, July 31st at 11 AM. Military Honors will be observed immediately following his service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to North Shore Animal League, 25 Davis Avenue, Port Washington, NY 11050  www.animalleague.org

For travel directions or to sign his online guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com