John Cuyler Murphy

John Cuyler Murphy passed away on September 25, 2011 at the age of 85. He lived at the Sunset Village Retirement Community in Sylvania, Ohio. He was born on October 18, 1925 in Toledo, Ohio, and grew up in West Toledo near Sylvania and Lewis. After graduating from Devilbiss High School he enlisted in the Navy, and proudly served his country in the Pacific during WWII. Upon returning to Toledo he began a 35 year career with the City of Toledo starting as a painter in the Sign Shop Streets Division, retiring in 1982 as the Zoning Administrator Building Inspection Division. Cuyler lived on Gilhouse Road in Sylvania Twp. from 1965 to 1982. Upon his retirement he moved south and enjoyed 27 years as everyones friend and handyman in the Timber Pines community located in Spring Hill, Florida. Cuyler never tired of helping his friends and neighbors. It might have been taking their morning newspaper from the curb to their doorstep, repairing a sprinkler system, cutting down a tree or fixing anything that was broken; Cuyler was always willing to help. As health issues came to the forefront he returned to the Toledo area in June of 2009 to live with his son and daughter-in-law and subsequently to Sunset Village. Cuyler grew up during the Depression and was one of seven children. Food for the table and adequate clothing were at a minimum; his entire life was influenced by this. He understood the value of a dollar, and was always ready and willing to share his good fortune with anyone in need. As a child he delivered newspapers to help support his family. Therefore, as an adult, Old Newsboys Goodfellow Association became very close to his heart and he always looked forward to participating in their annual newspaper sale. He took great pride in being one of the top fund raisers. All proceeds from this organization go directly to needy school age children for coats, shoes and clothes. Currently a widower, he was married; to Jean Bard in 1949, to Dorothy Sailor-Ransom in 1964 and to Irma Jenss-Gray-Culverhouse in 1982. He is survived by his son from his marriage to Jean, Mike Judy Murphy of Toledo, OH, their children Shawn Murphy of Elyria, OH, Ashley Shaw Barnes of Cincinnati, OH. Cuyler had four great grandchildren, Madelyn and Cameron Murphy and Braelynn and Casen Barnes. He was also blessed to have had the friendship of Barbara Inglee of Spring Hill, FL. In addition, Cuyler had a large extended family, including many step children, grand and great grandchildren, including Lannette Ransom Birtwhistle of Grayson, GA and April Maddux Linder of Rogers, AR. He is also survived by three sisters and his brother Harold. He cared dearly for his sisters Hazel Minke deceased of Grand Rapids, MI, Margaret Gerke of Ocala, FL and Helen Johnson of Naples, FL. Cuyler was also fortunate to have had life-long friends, Bob and Betty Mallory of Toledo. Bob and Cuy spent countless hours playing cribbage while the three of them took pleasure enjoying good meals prepared by Betty!, conversation and sharing memories. He also cherished the friendship of his Timber Pines neighbors Ernie and Claudette Guindon, Joe and Judy Duffy and George and Eileen Chapman. They all made sure that he didnt miss a meal while his friend Barbara was summering in Whitehall, NY. All of these relationships were very special to Cuyler. Thanks to everyone that touched Cuylers life. There are too many stories and friendships to mention; but rest assured, he spent countless hours sharing those experiences with Mike and Judy. He cherished the many wonderful cards, letters and phone calls that he received. Also, special thanks to all of Cuylers care givers, including the staff at Sunset Village, Ashanti Hospice and Dr. David Mallory for their never-ending patience and compassion. A special note of appreciation to fellow residents Sally and Tina at Sunset Village, as their friendship and visits brightened Cuys day. Visitation will be held from 3-8p.m. on Friday, October 7 in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. west of Corey Rd. in Toledo where memorial services will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 8, 2011. In November a memorial service will also be held in Spring Hill, FL. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be given to the Old Newsboys Goodfellow Association, P.O. Box 2032, Toledo, OH 43604 or of the donors choice. Condolences can be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.