Obituary of Gerard F Murphy

Gerard “Gerry” Francis Murphy, 86, died peacefully at home on Friday, November 12th. He was born on November 11, 1935 in the Bronx, NY to Hugh and Bridget Murphy who were immigrants from Ireland.

Gerry succeeded in sports and academics. He was an accomplished basketball player for St Simon Stock in the Bronx and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Fordham University and graduate degree (MBA) from Long Island University. Gerry also played bugle and trumpet and enjoyed any parade (especially St. Patrick’s Day) that featured marching bands.

Gerry was a highly accomplished executive and businessman in his professional life. He purchased his company, ATS Money Systems, from the prior owners and succeeded in growing the business which he eventually took public. From there, his plan proved to be visionary, where he focused on developing software solutions for banks and large retailers. He sold the business in 2000.

Gerry loved to travel with his wife of 45 years, Kathleen. They visited many overseas destinations and enjoyed the international sights, food and culture. They also spent several winter months each year in California, close by the grandchildren. Gerry was a longtime resident of Montclair and was often spotted walking his dogs, holding his umbrella and smoking a cigar on Park St. in the early morning hours. Most recently Gerry resided in Verona with Kathleen.

Gerry is survived by his wife, Kathleen, brother Kevin, his four sons, Sean(Charlene), Gerard(Carla), Brian(Amy) and Brendan, and three grandchildren, Joseph, Daniel and Jack.

A private church service was held at St. Cassian Catholic Church in Upper Montclair, NJ. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be sent to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Hospice of New Jersey or Human Needs Food Pantry of Montclair.