Russell P. Murphy, age 77, of Pentwater (MI) and Royal Oak, passed away, surrounded by his much loved family on July 16, 2024.
Russ was born in Detroit in August 1946 to Russell A. and Annette J. (Young) Murphy. Nearly a lifetime member of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Russ attended Shrine Grade School and Sacred Heart Seminary before graduating from Brother Rice High School, in the first graduating class. Russ also attended Saint Joseph’s College (Rensselaer, IN) and received a B.A. in marketing from Detroit Institute of Technology.
Following college graduation he served in the United States Army and became the company clerk for Co. B, 6th BN at Fort Dix, N.J. and was honorably discharged at Spec 5 rank.
Russ had a successful career in advertising, marketing and communications working for Ross Roy and Burroughs Corporation and later retiring from Henkel Corporation in Madison Heights after 20 years as Communications and Marketing Director.
Russ’ naturally gregarious personality drew him to others and he had a range of friends both far and near. He looked forward not only to the peace, quiet and seclusion of his annual Georgian Bay fishing trips with buddies that continued for 25 years, but also his hunting weekends spent with friends in Northern Michigan. With the free time that retirement afforded him he worked with several friends, serving Habitat for Humanity in Louisiana by helping to rebuild hurricane ravaged houses and later restoring dorms at Camp Sancta Maria in Michigan.
Following his retirement, he completed his Coast Guard Captain’s license requirements and started the Irish Wake Sailing Charters out of Pentwater. An avid sailor and someone who enjoyed the weather, water and wind, he crewed for his sailing buddies on several Queen’s Cup races across Lake Michigan, participated in several Ensign National races as well as many Pentwater Yacht Club (PYC) offshore races on Lake Michigan. Russ proudly served as the Commodore of the PYC and worked with the local sheriff in presenting boater safety classes to the community.
Russ is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joann; daughters, Meg (JD) Armstrong, Katie Murphy and Colleen (Joe Torosian) Murphy; grandchildren Quinn, Rowan and Finley Armstrong, cousins Marge Korsi, Mary (Phil) Weinfurt, Cheryl (Ken) Kalal, Todd (Renee) Bielawa and his entire Milwaukee family. He was predeceased by his parents and beloved cousins Jim Bielawa and Fr. Tom Bielawa.
He leaves behind friends from many stages of his life, including Burroughs, Henkel, the Shrine Christmas tree sale, fellow Shrine School parents, the PYC and Pentwater Artisan Learning Center.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 23, from 2:00-8:00 pm at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home (705 W Eleven Mile Rd, Royal Oak), with a scripture service at 7:00 pm. The funeral mass will be held Wednesday, July 24, at 10:00 am at National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica (Woodward at 12 Mile Rd., Royal Oak). Visitation at church begins at 9:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center (
https://pentwaterartisan.org/), the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (
https://t2t.org/) or the Gary Sinise Foundation (
https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate).
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www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com.
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