January 4, 2017

Michael L. Murphy, 61, of Watertown passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse.

Calling hours will be held at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., 214 Sterling St., Watertown on Sunday, January 8, from 1 - 4PM. A prayer service will be at the funeral home on Monday, January 9, at 10:15AM followed by the funeral mass celebrated at Holy Family

Mike was born in Watertown on May 23, 1955, son of Richard E. and Mary Jane Shaughnessy Murphy. He was a 1973 graduate of Watertown High School. For many years he was a process server throughout the North Country, also working as a supervisor for the janitorial staff at JRC.

He was a communicant of Holy Family Church and was a former member of Watertown Elks Lodge 496. He was always outdoors enjoying nature, golfing, boating on the River and especially enjoyed his camp on Brantingham Lake and road trips with Betty and Gibbs.

Mike is survived by his fiancée, Betty J. Gould, and her daughter, Jessica; his beloved dog, Gibbs; two nieces and one nephew, Allison Murphy Morley, Kelly Murphy Matyjakowski, and Ryan Murphy; a great niece and great nephew, Nick and Ashley Matyjakowski; one great great nephew, Elias; and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Mary Jane, May 14, 1978, his father, Richard, June 11, 2016, four brothers, Francis, in infancy, and Patrick, Anthony, and James, and sister, Eleanor Murphy.

Very near and dear to his heart was making sure no child was hungry, so please make donations in Mike's name to the United Way of NNY, 200 Washington St., Suite 402A, Watertown, NY 13601, attention Watertown City School District Backpack Program. Online condolences to his family may be made at www.cummingsfuneral.com.