Philip Keith Murphy

Private services were held Tuesday, November 13, 2018, celebrated by Reverend Philip Roger from Saint Charles Catholic Church, for Philip Keith Murphy, 58 who passed away peacefully Friday evening at his residence with his family by his side.

Philip was born August 31, 1960 in Youngstown, the son of Dorothy Lee (Wilson) and Harold D. Murphy, Jr. He was a lifelong area resident.

Philip was a 1978 graduate of Struthers high school and a 1982 graduate of Allegheny College. He began employment with Mahoning County Children Services in 1983. During that time, he also attended Youngstown State University, working on his two master’s degrees, one in English and one in Sociology. He retired from Children Services in 2013, after 30 years of service. From the early nineties, Philip was a professor at Youngstown State University where he taught English. In addition to YSU, for the past ten years he has also been a professor at Kent State University where he taught both English and Criminal Justice. 

Philip was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame at both Struthers High School and Allegheny College. He was an avid reader and enjoyed collecting sports cards. At the time of his death he was writing a book about his sports card collection. He also published hundreds of crossword puzzles. Mr. Murphy was a member of Saint Charles Catholic Church.

Philip leaves to cherish his memory, the love of his life, Zia Ann (Cochran) whom he married August 17, 2012; his daughter Miah Ann Murphy at home; brothers Victor Murphy of New Mexico; Vernon (Judy) Murphy of Chesapeake, Virginia and H. Donald Murphy lll of Stow; mother-in-law Brenda Cochran of Youngstown and several nieces and nephews.

Philip was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Vincent Murphy, and a nephew.

The family requests that contributions in Philip’s memory be made to his daughter Miah Ann Murphy. For information about this contact the Fox Funeral Home at 330-788-5044.

Arrangements where handled by the Fox Funeral Home 4700 Market St. Boardman.

Internment took place at Tod Homestead Cemetery.

Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and send condolences.

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