Obituaries

Bernard Patrick Murphy, a deeply committed husband, father, grandfather, and respected orthopedic surgeon, died peacefully at home on December 28, 2025, at the age of 83, surrounded by his family.

Born and raised in Belle Harbor, Queens, New York, Bernie lived a full life shaped by enduring friendships, a distinguished medical career, and a strong commitment to his family. The close-knit Belle Harbor community shaped him early, and the friendships he formed there endured throughout his life. Known for his loyalty, warmth, and generosity of spirit, Bernie remained closely engaged with friends and family wherever life took him.

Family was central to Bernie’s life. He found his greatest happiness in time spent with his five children and his sixteen grandchildren, following their lives with pride and enthusiasm. Whether at the beach, around the dinner table, or on the sidelines of games and events, he was most content when surrounded by family.

Bernie and his wife, Rita, shared 56 years of marriage and raised their children overlooking the Navesink River. Bernie found great enjoyment in sports and friendly competition. An avid runner, he completed the New York City Marathon. He also enjoyed rowing on the Navesink River, skiing early-morning corduroy runs, six-wicket croquet, and golf. A longtime and devoted member of Rumson Country Club and the New Jersey Golf Seniors, he spent countless hours on the golf course with friends and family, and the Saturday “shape up” was among his happiest times. He also cherished time at the Sea Bright Beach Club, where many summers were spent by the shore surrounded by children and grandchildren.

Bernie and Rita wintered at Johns Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida, where together they enjoyed a life filled with friends, travel, and even more golf. In later years, Bernie continued to enjoy golf at the Red Stick Club.

Bernie practiced orthopedic surgery for more than five decades, beginning in 1972 at Riverview Medical Center and serving the Middletown and Red Bank communities. He was widely respected for his clinical skill, sound judgment, and compassion, treating generations of patients with care and integrity. His colleagues admired him, and his patients trusted him deeply.

Beyond his medical practice, Bernie was committed to service and community life. He served on the boards of Rumson Country Day School and Rumson Country Club, contributing his leadership and time in support of education and civic engagement. Additionally, he was a regular volunteer at the Parker Clinic in Red Bank.

He was a graduate of Seton Hall University and the New Jersey School of Medicine and completed his residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine Hospital, where he laid the foundation for his long and distinguished medical career.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Rita; his brother, Donald Murphy (Mary), of Long Island, New York; his children, Melissa Nejame (Neil) of Rumson, New Jersey; Stephen Murphy (Claudia) of Charlestown, Rhode Island; Peter Murphy (Samantha) of Berwyn, Pennsylvania; Jane Randol (Benjamin) of Wilton, Connecticut; and Elizabeth Hallock (Peter) of Bedford, New York; and his sixteen grandchildren: Neil, Sarah, and Christopher Nejame; Isabella, Logan, Matea, and Finn Murphy; Brendan, Toby, and Brody Murphy; Colin, Sean, and Emily Randol; and Anne, Katherine, and Peter Hallock.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 5th at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, 30 Ward Ave, Rumson, NJ, 07760. A celebration of Bernie’s life will be held in the spring, when the sun is out and the golf course is green. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rett Syndrome Research Trust here: https://reverserett.org/?campaign=699809. When prompted to make your gift in memory of Bernard Murphy.  Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank, NJ has been entrusted with the arrangements.