Mugs’ remembered
The recent death of former East Syracuse Judge Francis J. Murphy, Jr., affectionately nicknamed “Mugs”, prompted the East Syracuse Village Board to honor his influential, iconic life at its Jan. 5 meeting. Murphy, 56, died Dec. 19 in Iowa after a long battle with heart disease. His burial took place Dec. 27 at St. Mary Cemetery in East Syracuse.
“When he made friends, he kept them forever,” said Pat Derby, East Syracuse village clerk.
Her statement was evident as friends, colleagues and family spoke out on behalf of Murphy and the legacy he left behind.
Murphy was elected as East Syracuse judge in 1996, serving three four-year terms until 2006 when he moved out of state with his wife, Karen. His first election came in a three-way contest in which he won against acting sitting judge Carol Muldoon and John O’Brien. He won his second race against O’Brien by 67 votes, and his third victory came unopposed.
“He ruled more with empathy,” Derby said, adding he could relate to those standing before him.
Not surprising, as Bob Murphy described his younger brother as one who was “on the wrong side of the law” in his younger days.
“He knew what it was like,” Bob Murphy said, adding his brother would’ve given you the shirt off his back. “He didn’t judge. He knew how to help people.”
In 1997, Murphy suffered a massive heart attack at age 44. He lived with a weak heart and diabetes for the remainder of his life.
“He was always happy no matter what was going on in his life,” Karen Murphy said. “He never complained.”
East Syracuse DPW Superintendent Ron Russell, one of his best friends, met Murphy (affectionately nicknamed “Mugs”) 40 years ago as students attending East Syracuse-Minoa High School.
“Mugs loved sports, served his country in the United States Air Force, his community as an East Syracuse firefighter and later as village justice,” Russell said. “His stories, one-liners and all around good nature will never be forgotten.”
Karen Murphy choked back tears as she described her husband as lovable, easygoing and always fun to be around: “He loved life. He loved all his friends as if they were family,” she said. “He was in Iowa for two years, but he never left the village. His heart was here.”
Memories:
“He was just a flat out good man. Honest, decent and unselfish. As far as being a judge, what he lacked in experience prior to taking the bench he more than made up for in common sense and an excellent understanding of fairness and justice. I was happy to have called him ‘judge.’ I was happier to have called him my friend.”
Steve Cambareri, Esq. Cambareri & Cambereri, LLP
“Justice Murphy exhibited a common sense approach to the administration of justice with special regard to both the defendants before him and his community in general. [He] dispensed justice in a fair and light-hearted fashion with due regard for the seriousness of the matter before him. Justice Murphy was especially passionate when cases before him involved children or animals.”
James C. Tormey, District Administrative Judge, Fifth Judicial District
“Mugs was a character with a huge heart. I learned much from Justice Murphy, which I now use in my own judicial career. [He} had a basic “down to earth” approach to handling the cases before him. When the law could be sterile, Mugs added that personal touch and approach to the case.
Mugs always enjoyed a good debate on an issue. My friend was a most interesting person and I am sure that he is now in heaven with his fellow magistrates debating all those important issues. I am equally sure that he will probably have the final word. I will miss him.”
Hon. David S. Gideon, Town of Dewitt Justice
