Donald Charles Murphy, 77, passed away peacefully at his residence on May 4, 2016, surrounded by his family. Don was born in Kenosha on September 13, 1938, the son of the late Donald F. and Betty (nee: Wachs) Murphy.
Don served his country by joining the U.S. Air Force in 1956. On October 4, 1958, in Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to, the love of his life, Norma Ghezzi. He was an alumnus of Mary D. Bradford High School and graduated with an associate degree in Police Science from Gateway Technical Institute. Don served the residents of Kenosha as a dedicated and proud member of the Kenosha Police Department for over 31 years, retiring on December 31, 1993.
Don was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church where he was an usher at the 10:30 mass. He also was a member of the board
of directors for the Police and Firemen Credit Union. Don was also a member of the Kenosha Professional Police Association and the Kenosha Recognition Club. After his retirement, Don continued serving his community for twelve years as Bailiff for the court of Judge David Bastinelli. Don enjoyed the outdoors especially hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling, in northern Wisconsin, at their vacation home in Arbor Vitae.
Don leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 58 years, Norma, their
three daughters, Michelle Murphy, of New Berlin, Lori (Michael) Vanchena, and Suzanne (Andrew) Loewen, all of Kenosha; two grandchildren, Erik and Karlie Loewen; sister-in-law Carol Murphy, of Kenosha. Don is further survived by his three nephews, Michael, Joseph, and Andrew Murphy, brother-in-law Lido (Terry) Ghezzi as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Charles and Susan Murphy, and his brother, Thomas Murphy.
A Memorial Mass, celebrating his life, will be held at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3035 Drexel Ave., Racine, at 6:00p.m. on Monday, May 9th, with Fr. Mark R. Jones officiating. Full military honors will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Monday from 4:00p.m. until the time of the Mass. Private entombment will be at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to the family to be used for the Honor Flight program.
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