Gerald E. Murphy

Gerald E. (Jerry) Murphy, 77, of Meadville, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born August 25, 1938 in Meadville, a son of Guy E. and Marion Gilliand Murphy.  He married Bonnie (Holder) Murphy September 23, 1961 and she survives.

Jerry was a 1957 graduate of Meadville High School and entered the U.S. Army where he was a tank commander serving from 1959 to 1960.  In 1965, Jerry became an engineer on the Erie Railroad, subsequently the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad, Conrail, and Norfolk Southern Railroad from where he retired in 2000.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for 60 years and was a member of Crawford Masonic Lodge 234, Meadville for 50 years.

Jerry always loved anything automotive from an early age.  One of his proudest accomplishments was restoring a 1934 Ford which he drove for many years before buying a 1929 Studebaker.  He loved any kind of auto racing, auto shows, and cruise-ins for street rods.

Survivors, in addition to his loving wife Bonnie of 55 years, include three children, Patrick Murphy and his wife Jonette of Pittsburgh, Kerry Murphy and his wife Debbie of Roanoke, VA, and Kelly Murphy of Pittsburgh; five grandchildren, Brittney, Breanna, Patrick, Jr., Ashley, and Hayley; a brother, Jeff Murphy and his wife Michele of Walton Hills, OH; one aunt; several nieces and nephews, and cousins, Rich and Ed Gilliand and Jean Keller.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Peyton.

Calling hours will be Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville.  The funeral and committal service will follow on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Brian Jensen, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, officiating.

Interment will be in Cochranton Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute, 16792 Conneaut Lake Rd. or Hospice of Crawford County, 464 Pine St., both of Meadville, PA 16335.

The family is most grateful to Dr. Jason Brown and the nurses at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute for the love and concern they showed, the Hospice of Crawford County staff for their complete devotion, the Wesbury Help-at-Home staff who were angels in their efforts on Jerry’s behalf, and Sue Kilburn for her faithful visits.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net.