John Alan "Jack" Murphy

John (Jack) Alan Murphy, 81, of The Villages, FL, and formerly of West Chester, PA, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at UF Health Spanish Plains Hospital in The Villages. He was the husband of Katherine M. Murphy and the late Patricia E. Murphy.

Jack was born on July 5, 1943, in Toledo, OH, the son of the late John J. Murphy and Hilda Russell Murphy. He grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and graduated from Saint Francis DeSales High School. Later, Jack attended the University of Toledo, where he majored in chemistry.

Jack spent most of his career as a polymer chemist, focusing on developing new spray foams for various applications. At one point, he worked on a team that created the foam insulation used by NASA for the exterior of their rockets. He personally was able to touch every Saturn rocket that put “man on the moon! He held many patents for his work (an achievement he was VERY proud of). Due to his vast experience, Jack was honored with the opportunity to speak at the United Nations. He traveled extensively for work and pleasure and visited every state in the US throughout his life.

Jack loved spending time with family and friends. He was known for his quick wit and “Dad Jokes” and always enjoyed making others smile. An avid runner, he competed in numerous races ranging from 5Ks to half marathons. As a devout Roman Catholic, he was actively involved with the parishes he belonged to over the years. Jack served as an extraordinary minister from 1968 until 2023. Jack was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Our lady of Mt. Carmel Council 13300 in Wildwood, FL. He volunteered at many charitable and fraternal events and he was always ready to lend a helping hand. Jack was also a team leader for many years at the Men’s Emmaus Retreat and his spirituality helped bring many other men towards deepening their relationship with the Lord. He was always eager to learn new things, including sailing, astronomy, piano lessons, and new languages.

In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by his children, Michael Murphy (Amanda) of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Erin Morelli (Mike) of West Chester, PA. He is also survived by his stepson Brett Lockwood (Kristie) of Wentzville, MO, and grandchildren Maeve and Wyatt Morelli; Aidan, Hannah, and Josie Murphy; and step-grandchildren Jacob and Abby Lockwood and Alicia and Hailey Jones. His siblings also survive him: brothers Dick (Suzanne) and Jim (Jane) and sister Larene Shirar. Jack was predeceased by his grandson Gavin Lamb-Choberka.

Relatives and friends are invited to his memorial mass at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 5323 E. CR 462, Wildwood, FL 24785. 

Interment was previously held on March 22, 2025 in West Chester, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.