E. Frederick "Fred" Murphy

E. Frederick Murphy, Jr., Commander, USN Retired, known to all as “Fred,” died on August 13 at his Allouez home, aged 93, with his beloved wife, Betty (Mary Elizabeth Conlon), at his side. While our sorrow is great, we are equally grateful for the richness of Fred’s life: his devotion to family, service to his country, belief in education, and unending care for other people and the world around him. 

Born in Green Bay on July 16, 1931, to E. Frederick Murphy and Marjorie (Gallagher) Murphy, Fred shared his happy childhood with brothers, John and Gus, enjoying frequent visits to grandparents in Shawano and Egg Harbor. A “bred in the bone” Packers fan, Fred cheered the Green and Gold from early childhood to his last days. He discovered tennis as a teen and played avidly throughout his life. 

Fred attended De Pere’s St. Francis Xavier grade school and graduated from East High in 1949. He received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy where, as his 1953 yearbook notes, “Fred roared out of Green Bay bringing to the academy his famous smile, outstanding personality and a love for sports surpassed only by his love for all things connected with the Navy.” 

Fred’s 20-year career as a naval officer was outstanding. After two years of duty on destroyers, he attended the USN Submarine School, joining what was then called “Admiral Rickover’s Navy.” In 1966, he was appointed the first Commander of the USS Hammerhead, a 292-foot nuclear attack submarine. In recognition of his leadership and the significant Cold War missions that the Hammerhead undertook, Fred received a Meritorious Service Medal, among other honors.

In 1973, Fred retired his commission and brought his family home to Green Bay where he joined with his brothers in the management of Murphy Supply Company, founded by their grandfather in 1907. He was active in the wholesale industry and served as President of the National Suppliers Association. An active member of Rotary International for many years, Fred received the 2001 District Governor’s Award in recognition of his service and leadership.

Fred’s retirement years were truly golden. With Betty, he made a second home in Miramar Beach, Florida, building their dream house and sharing it with children, grandchildren and friends for over 20 years. Their curiosity and appetite for travel took them to Europe, South America, Canada and beyond. In his last years, Fred reveled in a wealth of travel memories including his favorite cities (among them, New York, Dublin and Paris) as well as thrilling days at the U.S. and French Open tennis tournaments.

Fred served his country honorably and gave back to the communities where he lived. In addition to Rotary international, Fred volunteered for Green Bay Literacy and was an active parishioner in every church he belonged to, especially St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Fred is survived by his wife Betty, children Fred (Wendy), Sheila, Cate (Mark) Brodner, John and Brick; grandchildren Nolan (Em) and Callie Murphy; Chloe and Connor Brodner and Sara (Michael) George; Zachary Murphy and Lilly Murphy; great grandson, Abe Murphy; his brother, Gus (Joyce) Murphy; sister-in-law Loretta Murphy and brother-in-law Don Conlon. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Alice and Harry Conlon, his brother, John, brother-in-law Nick Conlon and sister-in-law Maggie Conlon. 

A funeral mass celebrating Fred’s life will be officiated by Reverend Bob Kabat at St. Matthew’s Church, 130 ST. Matthews St. in Allouez on August 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation at 10:00 a.m.

Fred’s family extends deep gratitude to the caregivers who eased his final days, especially Becca, Susan and Yaritza as well as Unity Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Fred’s name can be made to St. John’s Homeless Shelter or a charity of individual choice.

We will miss Fred forever, but are comforted by the love, kindness and integrity that he personified which remains forever in our hearts.