John Leo Murphy

Funeral Services and a Mass of Christian Burial for John Leo Murphy, 86, a resident of Davenport, will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 916 E. Rusholme Street, Davenport.   The Mass will be live-streamed by visiting https://www.facebook.com/stpauldisciplesThe family will greet friends prior to the Mass from 9-10:30 a.m. in the gathering space at church, with a rosary prayed there beginning at 9:30 a.m.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport.  Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

John was welcomed into eternal life on July 26, 2023, following a short stay at Genesis Medical Center, East Rusholme Campus. His family was grateful for a peaceful and prayerful passing following declining health.

John Leo Murphy was born August 2, 1936 in Belfast, Ireland, a son of Catherine Ward and Alexander Murphy.  He was the eldest of 9 children, and after coming over on the boat to America at 17, he worked to help his father have the funds to later bring his mother and younger siblings to join them in the U.S.  He was united in marriage to Kathleen F. McNulty on September 11, 1965 in Chicago.  They were blessed with over 52-years of marriage before her death on January 2, 2018.

John took very seriously the value of a job well done.  He worked for nearly 50 years leading paint crews at the Lyric Opera House, Kemper Insurance Building, and the Wrigley Company, all in Chicago.  John’s talents far exceeded a cleanly-painted wall.  He was a woodwork and stain expert, and though self-taught, he spent significant time and energy working on scenic artistry projects at the opera house.  He even painted the hands on the clock at the very top of the Wrigley Building exterior tower years before the levels of work safety standards became what they are today. His life included many adventures, and those who knew him were blessed to hear the stories that were born as a result.

John loved his family and especially cherished the time he spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren.  He deeply cherished his Catholic faith, and he passionately worked to share the message of Divine Mercy with those he encountered.  He would be the first to admit that the pursuit of patience was a lifelong journey for him, but his good heart, generous spirit, joyful humor, and trust in God were all things that filled the room when he was in it.

Those left to honor his memory include his children: Margaret Murphy, Naperville, IL, Maureen (Steve) Marshall, Rustburg, Virginia, and Kevin (Bridget) Murphy, Davenport; numerous loving grandchildren; siblings: and many nieces and nephews. John was also especially grateful for the friendship, prayers, and care of Renee Guinan, who lovingly assisted in his care in recent years.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, two sisters, a son, Brian P. Murphy, and a granddaughter, Grace S. Marshall.  May they rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.

Online condolences and remembrances may be expressed to the family by visiting John’s obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.