Martin J. Murphy

Martin J. Murphy, Former VaudevillianMartin J. Murphy, 104, passed away Thursday, June 13th, at his home in Wayne, NJ. Mr. Murphy, also known as Bud, was born in the Bronx, New York, to the late Martin W. J. Murphy and Anna J. Grehan Murphy. When he was nine years old, his father was killed in France during World War I. At the age of 15 years, he left home with his brother, Frank, to work in vaudeville as the Marcy Brothers and Beatrice taking their act around the country and to Europe. It was while performing on the Hudson Dayliner, that he met Marjorie Ames, one of The Five Ames Sisters, which was an acrobatic dance act. He knew at once that this was the girl he was going to marry. Martin and Marjorie married in 1939 and decided to leave vaudeville behind. They moved to West Milford, NJ, in 1942, and raised their 11 children.During World War II, he worked in a defense plant for Westinghouse in Newark, NJ. In the early 1950's, Martin became a salesman for General Electric Company Lamp Division, winning many awards. Martin involved himself in his church and community, becoming a member of the St. Anthony's Council of the Knights of Columbus, the Holy Name Society at St. Joseph's, West Milford, and later on becoming a Eucharistic Minister. He was a charter member of the Apshawa Fire Company, and member of the West Milford Lions Club.With their children grown, the Murphys moved in 1983 to Wayne, first moving to the Brooklawn Apartments and then to the Sisco Village. He became a member of the Wayne Elks Club. Not able to stay away from the stage, they became part of the Senior Follies of the Sisco Village, where Martin and Marjorie performed a tap dance together.In 2002, Martin lost his beloved Marjorie. With the support and love of family and friends, he continued to live at the Sisco Village with his son, Brian.Mr. Murphy leaves behind his children, Martin F. of Oak Ridge, NJ; Michael D. and Janet of Sparta, NJ; George (Pat) and Mary Ann of Stockholm, NJ; Frank A. and Sandra of Pompano Beach, FL; Kathleen A. and Kevin J. Byrnes of Oak Ridge, NJ; Kevin J. of Philadelphia, PA; Brian T. of Wayne, NJ; Terrance E. and Toni of Miami, FL; Timothy J. of Pompano Beach, FL; and Maggie of Charlotte, NC. Besides his wife, Marjorie, he is predeceased by his son, Sean E. of Charlotte, NC; his daughter-in-law, Serene (Mrs. Martin F.); his brother, Frank of Monticello, NY; and his nephew, Francis of Omaha, NE. Also surviving him are his 23 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.Hours for viewing are Sunday, June 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday, June 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral mass will be at St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Germantown Road, West Milford, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18.In lieu of flowers, donations to the Passaic County Hospice would be appreciated