Anthony (Tony) Murphy passed away August 18 after a short battle with cancer. He worked in the Television Department in Pasadena for almost 40 years. He and his wife Wilma retired to San Luis Obispo on the central coast of California in 2010. He was ordained on July 21, 2013, and served in GCI’s congregation Grace Communion Santa Maria. Tony was a warm loving husband, father, and grandfather. He served four years in the Navy during the Vietnam War, returning to his home in Minnesota. He worked as a lab technician at the University of Minnesota developing an artificial heart. When the team moved to La Jolla, C.A., Tony moved with it. He soon found himself headed for Pasadena to work in the TV studio.
Tony loved living on the Central Coast. As he said, “we live where other people vacation.” He started bike riding and accumulated enough miles to circle the earth at the equator.
Tony and Wilma enjoyed traveling around the world visiting family in New Zealand and friends in Europe and Australia. They visited all 50 states, many of them on a motor home trip covering over 16,000 miles in less than four months.
Tony enjoyed volunteering and will be missed by his family and many friends around the world.
Cards may be sent to:
Wilma Murphy
1817 Thelma Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405-6237
We remember his smiling face and friendly manner. He will be missed!
So sorry to hear this. I remember him scurrying around 5 or 6 Ampex tape recorders recording the TV broadcast decades ago. He was always friendly to everyone who walked in. He will definitely be missed by anyone who knew him.
What a blessing to have known Tony. I enjoyed serving and biking with Tony many years ago and always appreciated his Christian example and enthusiastic service in the church, not to mention the warm hospitality and guided tours by Tony and Wilma of the local community and wineries that they loved. My sincere condolences to you Wilma and family. With love and appreciation for a life well lived.
Tony was a longtime dear friend and co-worker for the GCI Home Office. He was an excellent tenor, and we sang together in many different choirs. I’ll never forget he encouraged me to volunteer to conduct the Pasadena Auditorium Choir and I got the job. Loved it, thanks to Tony. My condolences and prayers are with my dear friend Wilma.