Joe A. Murphy, of Walker Valley passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at Westchester Medical Center after a long, hard-fought battle with his health. He was 57.
The son of the late Joseph J. Murphy and Parathema “Helen” Wrench Murphy, he was born on April 28, 1964 in Goshen. He was a life-long resident of Walker Valley, and was employed at Pine Bush Equipment for over 30 years as a small machine mechanic and painter prior to retiring. Joe will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and amazing friend. We’re all going to miss his fiery personality and crazy childhood stories.
His wife Karen calls him “The strongest man of the family”. No matter what obstacles life threw at Joe, he always made time to help Karen with her garden as well as many other projects. Even though some of his projects earned him the nick name “Crooked Eye Joe” he was still the only builder she wanted.
Joe developed a love for baseball as a child. He pitched for his local teams from little league through high school and was then scouted to play in the minor leagues. His favorite baseball team was the Kansas City Royals. He passed his love for baseball down to his daughter Alex as she is a huge New York Yankees fan. Joe was also the Dallas Cowboys’ #1 fan and celebrated watching them dominate in the 90s. Since then, Joe has enjoyed watching his daughter Drew turn into a die-hard fan as well. Many Sunday afternoons were shared rooting for the Cowboys as they watched the games with their families. Go Cowboys!
Over the years Joe took his kids on many camping vacations which included fishing, eating s’mores, and many fun card games. His son Cody has never lost the joy of camping that he and his father shared. One hobby Joe was always known for was his love of All American Classic cars. He restored many cars with his late father and continued to share this passion with his daughter Shelby-Jo. Joe and Shelby-Jo were currently restoring his favorite muscle car, a 68’ Camaro that Shelby-Jo will complete and drive on her maiden voyage in his honor.
Survivors include his loving wife Karen (Morris) Murphy, his loving children, Cody Murphy fiancé to Elizabeth Oliver of Wharton, NJ, Alex Murphy of New Port Richey, FL, Drew (Murphy) Cramer wife to Joseph Cramer of Wallkill, and Shelby-Jo Murphy of Walker Valley. He also leaves behind his siblings, Robert Murphy of Pine Bush, NY, Teresa (Murphy) Leon wife to Robert Leon of Olivehurst, CA and Al Murphy of Pine Bush, NY as well as many nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded by his brother Bruce Murphy, and in-laws Joe and Doris Morris.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday April 27, from 6 - 9 p.m. at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd Pine Bush. At 8:30 we will invite all of Joe’s friends and family to share stories and memories of Joe as we celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, please considering donating to Joe’s 68’ Camaro dream to help bring his car to life. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com.