James P. Murphy

Forestport- James P. Murphy, 72, affectionately known as "Murph," husband of the late Dona, passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, November 5, 2014. He was born in Brooklyn, on May 23, 1942. He grew up on Long Island, and graduated from Sewanaka High School, at Floral Park, LI. In 1979, Mr. Murphy graduated from MVCC, Utica, earning an associate's degree in sociology. Jim had a lifelong interest in photography and he greatly enjoyed taking a wide range of pictures. In 1993, he earned an associate's degree in photography, from MVCC, Utica. On December 14, 1984, in Utica, James was united in marriage with Dona Marie Mascitelli, who was the love of his life. This was a blessed and happy union until her tragic death in an accident on August 14, 2003. In 1989, the couple moved from Utica to their present home, where he and Dona both loved living. He was previously employed at Park Edge Townhouses and at Trenton Technology, both of Utica. Mr. Murphy was a very unique and intellectual person who was an avid reader and was a published poet. Jim was an avid motor cyclist; he and Dona enjoyed motorcycle riding throughout the United States. He will be fondly remembered as a "Harley Man." He loved music, playing the harmonica, and the guitar. Jim is survived and loved by his many close friends, Peter and Patricia Palmitesso, and family, Ilion, Sue Burdick and family, Jim and Karen Ingersoll and family, Barry and Flo Favrey, Justine and her late husband, John Poniktera, all of Forestport, Ed and Erica Wheeler, Remsen, Joe Mroz and family, New Hartford, Steven and Frances Tubia, Ilion, and Patrick and Mary Donovan, Remsen, neighbor and friend, Norm Scianna and a new friend, Joyce Charboneau, who assisted Murph with his daily needs. His friends wish to extend a sincere note of heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc, for the loving care they extended to Jim and to Colleen at the Oneida Co. Office for the Aging, to Scott and Ria Chase from the Forestport Senior Nutrition Center, with Meals on Wheels, to Forestport Fire Fighters, and Prospect Ambulance staff for their care and kindness, and his friends David Houdon and Carl Trainor. In keeping with Jim's wishes his services will be held privately. There are no calling hours. Jim loved his pet dog, Zeus, and his two cats, Sampson memorial contributions may be made to the Stevens Swan Humane Society 5664 Horatio St. Utica, NY 13502.