In Memoriam: RBR Alum, Former Red Bank Business Owner, Drummer, George ‘Murph’ Murphy Jr., 79

Former Red Bank business owner, drummer and Red Bank Regional High School (RBR) graduate, George William Murphy Jr., known affectionately as “Murph,” passed away on Aug. 11. He was 79.

“A Red Bank Regional High School alum, Murph remained deeply connected to his roots in Red Bank, NJ, where he also made his entrepreneurial mark. Born on May 27, 1945, Murph was a vibrant and multifaceted individual, whose life was marked by his entrepreneurial spirit and his love for entertainment. Murph was a successful business owner with ventures spanning the automobile, restaurant, and clothing industries. He notably sold the first pair of bell-bottom pants in New Jersey at his Red Bank store, “The Slack Shack.” In his youth, Murph was also the drummer for the rock group The Victors, captivating audiences with his musical talents. He served with dedication in the United States Coast Guard Reserves, where he upheld the values of integrity and commitment. Beyond his professional and military life, Murph was a man of many hobbies. He enjoyed walking the boardwalk, fishing, cooking Italian dinners, watching Kung Fu movies, and listening to Motown music, with James Brown being his favorite artist. Murph’s personality was as dynamic as his life’s pursuits; he was humble, hardworking, and the life of the party. Known for his humor, he had a unique way of forming lasting relationships, often giving nicknames to those he particularly liked.”

Loved ones of George William Murphy Jr. in his obituary

He is survived by: his ex-wife, Patricia Murphy; his daughters, Tara (Jeff) Chandler, Kerin Wright and Tricia (Chris) Bodamer; six grandchildren, Ethan, James, Cole, Brooke, Audrey & Colin; his sister, Barbara (Eric) Corduan, and their children; and brother-in-law, Thomas Thill and his children.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, George William and Eleanor Murphy Sr.; and his sister, Beverly Thill.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Murph’s life will be held at the John E. Day Funeral Home in Red Bank, on Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Murph’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at https://www.michaeljfox.org/ .

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home