Pastor Emeritus, Saint Thomas More, Allentown, died December 22, 2023 at the age of 86 years old.
"The Diocese of Allentown has lost one of our most beloved priests. For 60 years, Monsignor John Murphy gave his life as a priest in service to the people entrusted to his pastoral care. In particular, for the past 41 years, he faithfully served as the dedicated pastor of St. Thomas More Parish with great zeal. May God grant him the rewards of eternal life," said The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of Allentown.
Born in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, Monsignor Murphy is the son of the late John Henry and the late Estelle (Darowish) Murphy. Monsignor is survived by his sister, Mary Louise Padolick and his nephews Joseph Padolick and Kenneth Padolick.
Monsignor Murphy attended Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary School, Shenandoah. He graduated from Shenandoah Catholic High School, Shenandoah. He entered Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook, Pennsylvania in 1955. He was ordained to the Priesthood on March 7, 1964 by the Most Reverend Joseph M. McShea, D.D., Bishop of Allentown, at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.
Monsignor Murphy’s first assignment was Parochial Vicar, Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Allentown.
Monsignor Murphy was first named a Pastor at Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Allentown. In 1980, Monsignor Murphy was appointed Pastor, St. Thomas More, Allentown, and remained in that assignment until his retirement in June 2021.
During the course of his priestly ministry, Monsignor Murphy served as Dean of the College of Consultors; Director, Pontifical Mission Societies for the Propagation of the Faith; Regional Catholic Youth Organization Director, Lehigh Deanery; Diocesan Director, Catholic Youth Organization; Diocesan Director, Catholic Physicians Guild; Member, Committee for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life; Member, Allentown Central Catholic High School Advisory Board and Budget Board; Member, Vocations and Priestly Formation Committee; Appointed Member; Council of Priests; Member, Commission for Orders and Ministries, and Chaplain, Lehigh Valley Chapter of Legatus.
Monsignor Murphy was named Pastor Emeritus of Saint Thomas More, Allentown, on June 15, 2021.
Funeral Arrangements for Monsignor Murphy
Funeral Mass
A Mass of Christian Burial for Monsignor Murphy will be celebrated at St. Thomas More, 1040 Flexer Avenue, Allentown, Pennsylvania on Saturday, January 6 at 11:00 a.m. by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of Allentown. Reverend Christopher S. Butera, Pastor, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bath, will be the Homilist.
Major Concelebrants include Reverend Monsignor David L. James, Vicar General and Pastor, St. Peter, Coplay, Very Reverend Eugene P. Ritz, Vicar for Clergy, Reverend Monsignor Daniel J. Yenushosky, Vicar Forane of Lehigh Deanery and Pastor, Holy Trinity, Whitehall, Reverend John S. Pendzick, Pastor, St. Thomas More, Allentown, Reverend Joseph J. Kweder, Pastor, St. Rocco Parish, Martins Creek, Reverend Stanley M. Moczydlowski, Pastor, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, and Reverend Eric R. Arnout, Pastor, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Slatington.
Vigil Service
Calling hours will be held at St. Thomas More Parish on Friday, January 5 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m. and on Saturday, January 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
A Vigil Service will be conducted on Friday, January 6 at 7:00 p.m. Monsignor Yenushosky, Vicar Forane, Lehigh Deanery will Preside. The Homilist will be Father Kweder.
Burial
Interment will be at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cemetery, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania.
Expressions of sympathy may be directed to: Mrs. Mary Louise Padolick, 1889 Kingsview Road, Macungie, Pennsylvania 18062
Copy Permalink
