Obituary of Charles E. Murphy
Charles E. Murphy, age 65, life-long Joliet resident, brother, and good neighbor, died Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center, Joliet. Known variously as Chuck or Charlie, Mr. Murphy joined his family on August 13, 1953, the fifth child of John C. and Mary Margaret (nee Rossi) Murphy. He grew up in the Marquette Gardens neighborhood and attended St. Paul the Apostle Grade School and Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. Chuck graduated from Joliet Township High School (West Campus) in 1972.
After graduation, he worked for the United Farm Workers in Joliet and Chicago, using his skills in screen printing to design and print bumper stickers and posters during the lettuce boycott. This led him to participate in other local union organizing efforts.
He will be remembered as a kind and creative person, never at a loss for projects or schemes—even in youth—that kept his siblings curious and bemused. Chuck, who struggled with mental illness throughout his life, was a regular presence on the streets of Joliet as he rode his bike from place to place. A cycling accident several years ago caused a recent disability, and complications from a related surgery led to his death.
Chuck is mourned by his siblings, John C. (Kathie) Murphy, Jr., Green Valley, AZ; Mary Therese Egizio, Marathon, FL; Brother Thomas Murphy, O. Carm., Chicago; Peter (Donna) Murphy, Windsor, CA; Patrick Murphy, Oswego, NY; Margaret Murphy, Petersburg, IL; Sister Elizabeth Murphy, OP, Springfield, IL; Michael Murphy, Ellisville, MO; and Kathryn Murphy, Peoria, IL; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, John F. Egizio.
The family welcomes donations to a mental health treatment center or mental health advocacy organization in Chuck’s name.
Private services will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville, IL, at a date to be determined. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
