Dennis Michael Murphy of West Chester, Pennsylvania passed away on Monday, January 4, 2016 at his home.  He was 60 years old.

Born in Melrose, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, Dennis was the oldest child of the late Edward Vincent Murphy and Mary Gibbons Murphy.

Dennis (known as Murph by many), actively co-raised his two adult children, thrived more than 25 years as a Nike Sales Representative (licensed division), gave his time and expertise for more than 35 years as a youth soccer coach and was happily married for 28 years.  Murph was defined by his long term commitments to his family, his Nike responsibilities, advancing the game of soccer and coaching its players and deeply caring for his life-long friends.

During the 1970's Murph was a soccer stand-out hailing from Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut.  He then went on to play and captain the then Southern Connecticut State College's Men's Soccer team to reach the NCAA D II National Finals.  While his soccer accomplishments and accolades were many, a SCSC Southern News article (9/22/1976) got it right when the staff reporter wrote,"For Dennis Murphy, soccer is not a season.  It's a whole year, every year. Maybe for his life."His passion to enable young men and women to achieve their own soccer greatness was a prized accomplishment for Murph. Murph displayed this same passion and commitment to excellence as a Sales Representative for Nike. While he received sales awards during his Nike tenure, he was most proud of his effort, his honest approach with his customers, and his relationships with his Nike teammates. As a father and husband, he was ever present; actively engaged in the simple daily activities while also traveling to watch Jill compete in high-level gymnastics, Shane play and grow as a soccer player, and beam when both of his children graduated with college degrees. He handled his cancer diagnosis and treatments with the same commitment, care, and hard work for which he was known. 

The Murphy family wishes to thank all of Dennis Murphy's friends, colleagues, and former players for their continual support and outreach over the last two years. The cards, letters, momentos, emails, and visits provided a huge boost. Dennis passed away with full confidence that he had worked his hardest, contributed to our world in his way, and knew he was deeply loved. Please join the Murphy family to celebrate Dennis' life! Given Dennis' passion for soccer and player development, please consider donating to support a soccer player.

He was the beloved husband for 28 years of Kathleen Mangini Murphy; loving father of Jillian Murphy and Shane Murphy; son of Mary Gibbons Murphy; brother of Edward (Carol), Kenneth (Pam), Kevin (Janet), Sharon, Maureen Burdick and Theresa Matsen (Eric); son-in-law of John and Patricia Mangini; brother-in-law of John (Lonnie) and Kevin (April); uncle of many cherished nieces and nephews.

A viewing for Dennis will be from 6:00PM until 8:00PM on Friday, January 8, 2016 and from 9:30AM until 10:45AM on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 15 E. Pleasant Grove Road, West Chester, Pennsylvania. 

The Funeral Mass will be at 11:00AM on Saturday morning.  Rev. Marc F. Capizzi will celebrate the Liturgy.

Burial will be private.

Family and friends are welcomed to a luncheon reception following the Funeral Mass at 12:30PM the Mendenhall Inn (Gold Ballroom) for a celebration of Dennis' life, 323 Kennett Pike, Mendenhall, PA 19357.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dennis' memory to: SCSU Foundation, Dennis Murphy Scholarship, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515. 

Family flowers arranged by leStyle25 of Unionville, 610-925-1901.

LONGWOOD FUNERAL HOME 

of MATTHEW GENEREUX, INC.

913 East Baltimore Pike

Kennett Square, Pennsylvania  19348

610-388-6070 tel.

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