With heavy hearts we announce the passing of John E. Murphy, age 57, Colonel, United States Air Force (Ret.).
John was the loving husband of his wife of almost 30 years, Heather Murphy. John always considered his greatest riches to be his daughter Shannon and his son Sean. In them he found a fortune beyond compare – one of love, joy, and endless pride.
Born in New Jersey in 1968, John was predeceased by his father, John P. Murphy.
Prior to joining the USAF, John went through ROTC at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. Throughout his career and continuing education, John earned two Master’s Degrees.
John leaves behind a legacy of honor, service, dedication and leadership. A USAF veteran, John spent much of his military career proudly serving his country in conflicts across the globe as a Special Operations Pilot. John earned many service awards over the course of his distinguished career, including the Distinguished Flying Cross.
John and Shannon always shared a love of eating out. When she was little they both looked forward to their weekend outings for bagels and donuts. As the kids grew older, he made it a point to establish a monthly family tradition of enjoying meals at different local steakhouses.
John spent weekends with young Shannon at the beach, picking out I Spy books at the library, and woodshop lessons at Home Depot. He raised her to be strong and self-reliant, making sure she knew how to do everything from changing a tire to filing her taxes.
Sean followed in John’s footsteps, becoming a pilot through a JROTC program in high school, and is actively pursuing his undergraduate degree in Aeronautical Science at ERAU in Daytona. John loved flying Cessnas with Sean and always looked forward to his aviation updates.
John cherished the countless hours driving to rinks all over Florida and beyond while supporting Sean as he played travel hockey. When not watching Sean play, John could be found along with Heather at Amalie Arena cheering on his favorite team, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
In addition to being a proud veteran and a devoted father, John enjoyed a number of other interests including fishing, kayaking, attending airshows and visiting museums. He also loved strong coffee and listening to Irish music. And no matter where he was stationed, he always took pleasure in chatting with neighbors in the driveway.
For those who knew and loved John, they remember him as someone who found his greatest joy in flying. We pray that he is now at peace, soaring freely in the skies of heaven.
A Remembrance for John Murphy will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 12:00pm at the SOF Memorial on MacDill AFB, with Celebration of Life to follow at 1:00pm at SeaScapes Beach House, MacDill AFB, Bldg 682, 99511 Marina Bay Drive, Tampa. For those who require base access, please reach out as soon as possible to the family.
Arrangements being made by Veterans Funeral Care, Clearwater. Internment to be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in John’s memory to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (www.specialops.org).
To Heather, Shannon & Sean- Words alone cannot ease the anguish and pain of loosing a husband and father. John loved being a dad and was so proud of both his children. We both loved John as a brother-in-law. May you all find peace knowing John will be “flying across the heavenly sky”. Look up at night and know that one of those twinkling stars is John. Love you and miss you always – Martini!!
To Heather, Shannon & Sean- Words alone cannot ease the anguish and pain of loosing a husband and father. John loved being a dad and was so proud of both his children. We both loved John as a brother-in-law. May you all find peace knowing John will be “flying across the heavenly sky”. Look up at night and know that one of those twinkling stars is John. Love you and miss you always – Martini!!
Heather, Shannon, and Sean, my heart aches for you. John was an amazing man and will be greatly missed.
Heather, Shannon & Sean,
Yogi and I send our deepest condolences. John was a good and faithful father and husband. He will be greatly missed & never forgotten.
May the God of all comfort, comfort you during this difficult time. Shelly & Yogi
Heather, Shannon & Sean,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of John….he was an amazing husband and father. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with you all. He was a great neighbor and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Learning of his passing was sad to hear. My condolences to his family. John was a great pilot and I always enjoyed flying with him. I have so many fond memories of him. You’ll be missed. Rest in peace brother.
We are heartbroken to learn of John’s passing. We have so many special memories with John in cold hockey rinks drinking beer and cheering on our boys. We happened to be with a few hockey families this weekend when we heard the news. We all raised a toast (or two… or three…) to John, and shared lots of stories and laughs and tears. He was a dedicated dad and a genuine friend. We are going to miss him terribly. All our love to Heather, Sean and Shannon.