Carthage - Francis E. Murphy, 94, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2014, in the Skilled Nursing Unit of the Carthage Area Hospital Carthage where he has resided since January.

Francis was born in Lewisburg (Fort Drum) on June 28, 1920, the son of the late Edward and Edna Traynor Murphy. He was a 1936 graduate of Augustinian Academy and the Watertown School of Commerce. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII from May of 1942-November of 1945 as a Staff Sergeant. He married the former Berenice C. Orsie on November 9, 1946 in St. James Church in Carthage. Mrs. Murphy died on August 18, 2008.
Francis began his employment with Black River Oil Company, Inc. in 1947 and retired as President in 1986.


He was a member of St. James Church, Life member of American Legion Post # 789, Carthage, Life member and Past Secretary of BPOE Lodge # 1762, Carthage, 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council # 291, Carthage, Founding Charter member and Past President of the NNY National Assoc of Accountants, Diana Hunting Corp, Past Chairman of the Wilna Housing Authority, Past Chairman of the Wilna-Champion United Fund, Former Village Board Zoning Board member and the Marine Midland Bank Board of Directors.

He is survived by one daughter: Catherine M.. Murphy of Watertown, two sons and their wives, Francis E. Jr. (Nancy) and John T. (Mary Alice) all of Carthage, 7 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife, Berenice, a daughter, Marsha A. Breed who died June 15, 2006, a sister, Regina Peluso and a brother, James Murphy.


Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church with the Rev. George F. Maroun, Pastor officiating. Burial will be in Old St. James Cemetery. Calling hours at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home will be on Tuesday from 4-7pm. A memorial service will be conducted by the Elks Lodge at 6:30pm Tuesday.