Donald J. Murphy, 90, born August 22, 1927 peacefully left this world on July 19, 2018 at Schoellkopf Health Center in Niagara Falls, NY, while under the most compassionate care of both their staff and that of Hospice of Niagara County.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marilyn A. (Boyle), his children Dianne M. (Mark) Strickland, Michael P. (Karmell Macoretta) Murphy, Mary Sharon (Samuel, Jr.) Cassano, Matthew P. (Carolyn Warda) Murphy, and his beloved grandchildren Michael P. Murphy II, Marcus James (Nitzya Galaviz) Murphy, Francis Michael Murphy and great-granddaughter Madelyn Grace Murphy, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, William and Anna (Clarke) Murphy, and his only sibling, William (late Esther) Murphy.

Donald spent most of his childhood as a resident of Father Baker's Orphanage in Lackawanna, NY. He attended Our Lady of Victory Academy where he graduated from high school. During that time, he played on the OLV basketball team.

He and Marilyn were married on June 16, 1956 and were lifelong residents of the City of Niagara Falls, NY.

He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving from 1945-1949 aboard the USS Topeka as a second-class petty officer during WWII in the South Pacific, where he received the WWII Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

He spent 39 years working for Niagara Junction Rail and Conrail, as both break-man and engineer, happily retiring in 1989.

Donald enjoyed spending time with his family more than anything else. He took great pride in being the family jokester and top administrator of sarcasm and jest. He will be greatly missed, and remembered as a hard-working and generous man, who took wonderful care of his family.

Visitation will be held on Friday July 20 ^th from 4 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL 2730 Military Road Niagara Falls, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday July 21 ^st 9:30 AM at St. John de LaSalle Church 8477 Buffalo Ave. Niagara Falls, NY.  EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH.  Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.

The family would like to acknowledge the entire team at Schoellkopf Health Center, along with Hospice of Niagara County for helping Donald spend his final days in a peaceful, loving environment. Donations in Donald's memory can be made to the Schoellkopf Health Care Facility 621 10 ^th Street Niagara Falls, NY 14301 or Niagara Hospice 4675 Sunset Drive Lockport, NY 14094.