Paul F. Murphy

Paul F. Murphy of Lake Placid, NY and Frederick, MD passed away on November 10, 2023 with his loved ones by his side. He was 92. Paul was born to Faith and James Murphy in New London, CT. He graduated from Portland High School and from Tufts University where he received a BA in Economics. He met his wife Claire on a blind date and it was love at first sight. They were married on New Year’s Day 1954 and their devoted marriage lasted for 63 years. Like his father, James, Paul went into the packaging business and co-founded his own successful box manufacturing company, Corrugated Carton, in 1955 in Newark, NJ. He ran his business with integrity, a strong work ethic and great care for his employees and customers—many of whom became lifelong friends. Paul and Claire bought their first home in Millington, NJ where they raised their three children. Later, they built their dream house in Chester, NJ where they lived for 30 years. In retirement, Paul and Claire lived in Frederick, MD and Lake Placid, NY. During his lifetime Paul remained a lifelong learner and most recently passed the time listening to classes broadcast from the Smithsonian Associates, practicing Latin, and reading challenging books on history as well as current events. He taught his family to love the outdoors, often spending time next to a crackling fire, and enjoying camping, hiking, fishing, and paddling in the Adirondack Mountains. He loved casting flies to elusive trout on rivers around the world—from Alaska, Wyoming, Labrador, and the Adirondack Mountains to Chile and Argentina. He made many dear friends on these trips and most enjoyed taking horseback pack trips into the wilderness of Yellowstone and the Tetons for a week at a time. As it became hard to navigate the strong river currents, Paul gave up fishing but remained a world class fly tyer often gifting his fishing pals with a variety of patterns. He seemed happiest sitting in his favorite chair by the fireplace in Lake Placid reading or watching hummingbirds, enjoying his Jameson’s whiskey. Paul was a longtime volunteer and board member of The Balsams at Lake Placid Homeowners Association and the Black River Fish and Game Club. Paul knew how to be a true and loyal friend. He honored and nurtured his many friendships with his generous and giving soul. He could relate to people from all walks of life. He looked for the good in each person. Most recently, Paul forged new friendships with fellow residents and caring staff at Somerford House Assisted Living in Frederick where he delighted in sharing delicious treats with his dinner companions. To his very last days, Paul’s life was instructive. As he aged, he taught us how to grow old with dignity, humor, and kindness—and, when the good Lord finally called, how to meet him with courage and peace. His Catholic faith was central to his life. Paul was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend with a deep lifelong faith. We will miss Paul terribly. Our hearts are broken. His beautiful blue eyes will forever shine in our hearts and in our minds. Paul is survived by his daughter Judy Murphy, son Brian (Cindy) Murphy, and granddaughter Nairika (Terry Mullen) Murphy and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Claire Holmes Murphy, daughter Kim Murphy, and brother Peter Murphy. A service will be held at Keeney and Basford Funeral Home in Frederick, MD on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 1 pm. Interment will be at a later date in the North Elba Cemetery in Lake Placid, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to Frederick Health Hospice or the Lake Placid Public Library in NY. Make a toast to Paul’s memory or spend some time enjoying nature to keep his spirit in your heart.