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With broken hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Dennis Alphonsus Murphy at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto on Sunday, January 26, 2020 in his 87th year. He passed away on his terms (always!) with a smile on his face listening to Irish music. His wife of 60 years, Teresa, and his children Patricia, April, Sandra, Dennis Jr, grandchildren Ryan and Lauren and son-in-law Phil were by his side.
Dennis was born in Dublin Ireland, the son of the late Matthew and the late Catherine (Kitty/Katie) Murphy. He immigrated to Canada in the late 50’s and was joined shortly after by the love of his life, the girl next door, Teresa O’Driscoll. Dennis and Teresa were married 60 years ago on September 24, 1960 at Precious Blood Cathedral in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. In 2010, the family returned home to Dublin once again to witness Dennis and Teresa renew their vows for their 50th anniversary.
Dennis leaves to mourn his much-loved wife Teresa, his treasured children Patricia and Phil Randall of Kitchener, Ontario, April Murphy, Sandra & Lou Turco and Dennis & Michelle Murphy, all of Sault Ste. Marie. He was the best grandpa to his cherished grandchildren, Ryan Randall of Kitchener, Ontario, Lauren Randall of London, Ontario and the apples of his eye, Eva Murphy and her brother, Chocolate Lab, Jake Murphy of Sault Ste. Marie. Much loved Grandpa Dennis aka Pops to Teri Lou, Ralph and Marco Intranuovo of Brechin, Ontario and Ricky Turco of Goulais River, Ontario.
Dennis is survived by his brother Skipper (Peggy) Murphy of Sault Ste Marie, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lily McGuiness, Joyce (Jimmy) Flynn, Margaret (George) Gannon, Jimmy (Angela) O’Driscoll, Brendan O’Driscoll and their children/grandchildren, all of Dublin Ireland. He was a respected uncle to many nieces and nephews in Sault Ste. Marie, Dublin, Ireland, England and Australia.
Dennis is reunited with his brothers Jamsie (late Mary) Matthew and Eddie (Ned) (late Molly) and sisters, Patricia Murphy, Ellen (Nellie) (late Ben) Byrne, Kathleen (late Johnny) Kelly and Bridget (Biddy) (late Jack) Jones. On the O’Driscoll side, he is reunited with his in-laws Agnes and Michael O’Driscoll, his brothers and sisters in law, Danny (late Bridie), Robert (father of Kate Donovan of Sault Ste Marie), Michael, Edward (late May), Patricia (Patty) (late Bobby) Grumley and Mary Gunnery.
Dennis was an extraordinary man.  He truly lived a full life. Upon arriving in Sault Ste. Marie, he played soccer for Camera Craft and won many championships. He was a lifelong YMCA member where he enjoyed swimming and playing competitive volleyball until he was stricken with lung cancer in the late 1970’s, a workplace injury, while working at Algoma Steel. He was a fighter and survived for over 40 years battling COPD and various respiratory infections and reluctantly, using his oxygen. He was a huge Soo Greyhounds fan and will be missed in Section 112. He was a proud Irishman and loved to travel returning home to Dublin, Ireland and also enjoyed many Gertrude Byrne All Star Irish Cruises out of Florida. He loved to golf and was always ready to give advice to the younger folks, “here let me show you how it’s done”. The Murphy/Turco/Randall/Intranuovo family cribbage tournaments were legendary and of course, he had more advice “come in, come in”. Many people knew him as the painter as he loved to paint houses and also do home renovations for his children. He was self-taught and no project was too big or too small.  He was also the best sign man ever helping son-in-law Lou Turco through many elections, rain or shine (or snow).
Most of all, Dennis was a family man, a dedicated husband, Dad and Grandpa. Family meant everything to him. His family wanted for nothing. He gave unconditional love, was generous with his hard-earned money, was always present and helped all of his children equally. He will be dearly missed by his loving family but although devastated at this huge loss, the knowledge that he is at peace is a comfort.  His work is done here on Earth and we know that he is at rest in God’s loving hands.
The Murphy family would like to thank the exceptional staff at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto for the compassion and care given to Dennis.
Family and friends are invited to O’Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Centre (215 St. James St ) on Friday February 7, 2020 from 10:30am-11:30am. Funeral Mass will follow at  Precious Blood Cathedral (778 Queen St. E) at 12:00pm. Interment to follow.
A Celebration of Life will follow the burial from 3pm until 7 pm., upstairs at O’Sullivan Funeral Home. Dennis Murphy, being a true Irishman, wanted a proper Irish sendoff so please feel free to stop in for a come and go and enjoy some Irish music and refreshments. We will reminisce about the “Rare Ould Times”. St. Patrick’s Day is coming early, and the Irish flag will by flying. Please join us. Son-in-law Lou O’Turco will be in charge of the microphone giving you a chance to share a story about Dennis Murphy Sr who truly lived a wonderful life.
Dennis loved all of his grandchildren but had an extra special relationship with the apple of his eye, his youngest granddaughter, 6-year-old Little Eva the Diva Murphy. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations for an Education Fund for Eva can be made payable to Eva’s dad, Dennis Murphy Jr.
 
Irish Blessing

May the road riser to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rain fall soft
Upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you
In the hollow of his hand.



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