John Neil Murphy Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John Neil Murphy (Harlingen, Texas), who passed away on November 14, 2018, at the age of 84, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Dan W. Murphy and Elizabeth Regent Murphy (Sunny); his brother Dan W. Murphy, Jr.; and his son Patrick Warren Murphy. He is survived by: his wife Mira Ascencio Young Murphy; his sons, John Murphy (Carol) of Zihuatanejo Mexico, Brian Murphy (Nancy) of New Smyrna Beach and Kyle Murphy (Gabriella) of Nexpa; his grandchildren, Patrick Murphy and Vittoria M. Vernocchi; his stepson Erick Hieke; and his former wives, Patty Warren Ellis and Gerri Merrick. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Thereafter he said, "I didn't stop giving, I just stopped keeping count. Neil's civic service included being chairman of the Harlingen Museum Board, a member of the Small Business Advisory Council, JCs, Chamber of Commerce, and helping to found the Valley Better Business Bureau. He served on the advisory council to the Texas State Fire Marshal. He was an active supporter of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse. He was a former Precinct Chairman and State Convention delegate for the Republican Party and served as congressional district chairman of the Pat Robertson presidential campaign. His avocations included hunting, fishing, trapping, photography, travel, sailing, scuba diving, underwater demolition, skiing, and working on his Rancho Monteagua especially preserving an area of native brush and raising ducks, geese, guineas, and peacocks there. Visitation will be on Monday, November 19th from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral service will be Tuesday, November 20th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Albans Episcopal Church in Harlingen. Interment to follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito. Memorial donations may be made to the Harlingen Area Rotary Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 530098, Harlingen, Texas 78553.
