J. Brien Murphy

Brien graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Dunkirk in 1949 and went on to earn a Bachelorof Science and Master of Science degree in Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia in 1953 and 1956, respectively. In 1972 he completed doctoral studies at the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) and was awarded a Doctor of Education degree. Brien’s career included 38 years (1957-1995) among the faculty of SUNY Fredonia and the Campus School, serving as chair of the elementary and early childhood education department,and coordinator of graduate studies. In addition, he served on the board of the Fredonia College Foundation for over 30 years, including as its secretary from 1986 to 2005. In 2013 he received the Distinguished Service Award, the most prestigious award given by the Fredonia College Foundation for significant contributions to the foundation, college and community. He also served as president of the Fredonia Alumni Association, chair of the Fredonia Faculty Council, and vice president of the Fredonia Emeritus Faculty and Staff Association.

He also served the community in many ways outside the college, including as secretary of the Hillman Memorial Music Association, president of the Dunkirk Free Library board, past president of the Allied Teacher’s Association of Chautauqua County, consultant to the Boorady Memorial Reading Center, past vice president of the Chautauqua County Council of the International Reading Association, and past member of the People with DevelopmentalDisabilities Subcommittee for the Chautauqua County Community Service Board.

Brien is survived by his wife, Ann (Lynch) and sons Tim (Rachel Foley) of Fredonia and Joseph B.(J.B.) of Dunkirk as well as many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers J. William Murphy, Jr. and James J. (Turk) Murphy.

Brien dearly loved his wife, two sons and daughter-in-law, both his Murphy and Lynch families, his childhood friends in the Kindergarten Club, and his neighbors the Muldowney family. But most of all he delighted in being an Irishman – the Irish in him seeming to define him so very well.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 11 at 11 AM in HolyTrinity Church, 1032 Central Ave., Dunkirk, NY. There will be no calling hours. Immediately following the service will be a luncheon at Shorewood County Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Fredonia College Foundation, Class of 1953 Scholarship Fund, 272 Central Ave., Fredonia, NY 14063 (fredonia.edu/foundation), Dunkirk Free Library(dunkirklibrary.org) or Aspire of WNY (aspirewny.org).

On-line condolences may be made at larsontimko funeralhome.com.

Arrangement by David J. Dengler, LARSON- TIMKO Funeral Home.