Norbert C. Murphy, 84, Escanaba, passed away Tuesday morning April 12, 2016 at his home in Escanaba. He was born on September 24, 1931 in Escanaba, the son of the late John and Merceda (Middlebrook) Murphy.
Norbert graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1949 and then attended St. Norbert College for one year. He then entered the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, serving from January 3, 1951 to December 13, 1954 spending one year in French Morocco being honorably discharged with the rank of Airman First Class. Norbert then attended Northern Michigan University graduating in 1958 as class president with a bachelor of arts degree. He then taught Social Studies in West Branch, MI from 1958 to 1964, Bark River-Harris from 1964 to 1966 and then Escanaba area public schools until his retirement in 1987.
He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church since 1968, a member of the Escanaba Lions Club, a past Lecturing Knight of the Escanaba Elks Lodge #354, a former Delta County Democratic Party Chairman from 1968 to 1970, an Escanaba City Councilman from 1972 to 1976, a member of Northern Michigan University Alumni Association National Board of Directors and a recipient of an Alumni service award from Northern Michigan University in 1984.
He is survived by his sister: Merceda Druding, as well as many loving nieces and nephews: Sandy, Susie, Sharon, Mary, Diane, Mike and John.
Norbert was preceded in death by his parents and a brother: Kevill Murphy.
Friends may call from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday April 17, 2016 at the Allo Coolman Funeral Home in Escanaba with Delta County Veterans Council rites at 4:00 p.m., followed by parish prayers, and a family remembrance time. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday April 18, 2016 at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Parish with Fr. Eric Olson Officiating. A luncheon will follow Mass in the church parish hall. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to U.P. Healthsystem Home Care & Hospice.
Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to his family.
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"I wanted to pass along a note about Mr. Murphy. I had him as an eighth grader in 1986. We were watching the Challenger Space Shuttle take off with Christa McAuliffe and crew and the subsequent explosion. I remember sitting in shock and I remember how he kept his cool trying to explain to us that these things happen. I can see now that he was a combat veteran and this explains his life story. He was a good and kind hearted teacher. I had visited the St. Joseph and Patrick church at holidays and saw him as an usher. I hope the family will recover from this loss. May he rest in peace."
-Marc DeRidder -
"I ushered for many years with Norbert he was a very good person, and had a strong faith. Condolences to his family I will be out of town for the services."
-Paul Gayan -
"Norbert C. Murphy was unique in a very positive manner - a quiet community teacher, leader, servant. Simply, a gentleman. Prayers are with the family. "
-Paul Harvey -
"Norbert was a dear family friend. We always enjoyed having him join us for Christmas dinner. It made me smile every time the door opened and I would hear him say, "Kathy, tell your mother 'that man' is here again." and then there would be his wonderful laugh as he handed me the bottle of wine he called his "entrance fee". My nephews especially loved listening to his stories. He loved a good political debate and it was instructive, and great fun, to listen to his political opinions. I will miss him. "
-Katherine LeDuc -
"I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Murphy's passing. He was a good friend of the family and particularly my father. Was a regular guest at Christmas Dinner and my kids always looked forward to his visit. I never had him as a teacher but always enjoyed him and his ever present political perspective. Rest in peace Mr. Murphy. You will be missed. PS: I always knew Norbert as a bachelor who lived alone and I never really knew any of his family. I never knew if he had anyone to share his life with and to love and admire. After meeting with his extended family of sister, nieces and nephews and all of their children and listening to the stories told by them I know that he had a full and wonderful life and many people were touched indeed by his love. I am still saddened by his departure but enlightened by his beautiful and loving family. It was a pleasure to meet you. "
-Steven LeDuc -
"My condolences to the relatives and friends of Mr. Murphy (that's the way I always knew him). Like Marc I also had Mr. Murphy as a teacher; he also was one who inspired my love of politics and progressive thinking. I actually helped with his reelection campaign to city council, knocking on doors and being that crazy kid on the corner holding up his sign on election day. I am grateful for the year he was my teacher; and his friendly chats each time I would see him when I was back in town. Rest in Peace Mr. Murphy and thank you for your part in my life. "
-Christopher Gill -
"It's been a little over two years since Mr. Murphy passed away but I just discovered it on the internet. Mr. Murphy was one of my favorite teachers and was my teacher in West Branch in the 1962-63 school year. He helped me out when I didn't do my work and turn it in. I've been wondering for years where he was and if he was still alive. It was wonderful that he lived to be 84 and touched so many lives."
-Fred Norton -
"I was one of Mr. Murphy’s students at West Branch PS. Mr. Murphy taught the government class during the year of the Michigan constitutional convention. His interest in politics was very apparent. I had great respect for him. "
-Terry Fisk
