WILMINGTON — Daniel Edward Murphy, 69, sadly died on July 9, 2024, at 8:35 am at the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center surrounded by his loving wife, three children and sister in-law following a brief battle with vascular dementia.
Daniel was born in Syracuse, NY on October 27, 1954. He was raised by his beloved mother Carolyn Wilcox and late stepfather Ira Wilcox. Daniel, otherwise known as Dan or Danny, grew up in Jordan, NY alongside his late eldest brother James Patrick Murphy, brother Timothy Murphy, his baby sister Jan Halbach, and numerous beloved cousins of the LaVigne and Murphy Family. Dan was well known for living life to the fullest and for getting into mischief. He had a great love for music, sports, his horses and all things outdoors.
It was in 1972, when Dan started dating the love of his life, Cathy and they were married on September 9, 1978. Together they had three children Christopher James Murphy, Kelly Marie Duncan and Shannon Lynn Ford. They raised their children for a brief period in upstate New York before relocating and placing roots in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Dan was a phenomenally talented chef and was a part of numerous Wilmington establishments, including his own restaurant Dan’s Mason Bistro. Dan loved his family dearly and adored his many nieces, nephews and cousins but was best known for being an awesome grandaddy to Peyton Duncan, Micah Duncan and Penny Ford.
Dan is survived by his wife of 46 years, Catherine Murphy and children Chris Murphy, Kelly Duncan, son in law Stephen Duncan, Shannon Ford, and son in law Ryan Ford. His brother Tim Murphy, sister Jan Halbach, brother-in-law John Martin, sister-in-law Michelle Martin, sister in law Gail Martin.
To celebrate Dan, a celebration of life will be held at Andrews Valley Chapel, at 4108 S. College Rd on Saturday, July 13, 2024. Viewing will be at 2 p.m. with celebration of life to follow at 3 p.m. Please dress colorfully and casually.
Special thank you to the Lower Cape Fear Life Center for taking excellent care of our Dad.
Those wishing to send flowers may send them directly to Andrews Valley Chapel.
