Joseph J Murphy

Joseph J. Murphy, 81, passed away on July 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Joe was born on September 3, 1944, in Binghamton, New York, to James R. Murphy and Mary Lee Murphy. He grew up alongside his three brothers, Dave, Jim and Tom, and developed a love of ice hockey and speed skating on the frozen ponds of New York during the winter months.

Joe attended St. Patrick Elementary School before enrolling in Binghamton North High School's technical engineering program. From an early age, he aspired to become an electrical engineer. After graduating, he attended the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

At RIT, Joe joined Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity where he formed lifelong friendships that he continued to cherish through regular lunches with his fraternity brothers. During his junior year he met Janet Fletcher, a student at SUNY Brockport, at one of his fraternity parties. They were married on July 29, 1967 beginning a loving partnership that lasted nearly 60 years.

After graduating in 1969, Joe joined General Electric's prestigious Manufacturing Management Program. Following the program, he accepted a position with GE Aircraft Engines in Evendale, Ohio where he and Janet purchased their home in West Chester, Ohio and built the life they would share for nearly six decades.

Joe built an accomplished career at GE while furthering his education by earning his Master of Business Administration from Xavier University. In 1989, he was promoted to Manager of Sourcing Support and Compliance, serving as GE's liaison with the U.S. Government and Department of Defense on small business contracting. He also played an active role in the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), helping advance legislation and initiatives that supported the aerospace industry.

After retiring from GE in 1999, Joe continued contributing to the industry he loved. From 2000 to 2016, he served as Chairman of the Board for Ferco  Aerospace Group and later consulted with small aerospace companies, sharing his knowledge and experience to help them succeed.

While proud of his professional accomplishments, Joe's greatest joy was his family. He was the devoted father of two daughters, Meridith (Chris) Grasso of Chalfont, Pennsylvania, and Amanda (Nathan) Asaro of San Diego, California. He was an adoring grandfather to Annika, Francis, and Keiran Grasso, and Lena and Levi Asaro. Whether cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, celebrating milestones, or chauffeuring them to activities, Joe treasured every moment with his grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to spoil them. Joe's happiest moments were often the simplest—spending time with Janet, gathering with family, and watching his grandchildren grow into the remarkable young people they have become.

Joe was known for his generosity, humility, and willingness to help others. A longtime blood donor to Hoxworth Blood Center, he donated 148 times totally 19 gallons of blood and took great pride knowing each donation could save a life. He also enjoyed riding his bicycle through the neighborhood, collecting rare coins, attending Red’s games and being the kind of neighbor everyone hoped to have.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Janet; his daughters, Meridith (Chris) Grasso and Amanda (Nathan) Asaro; his five cherished grandchildren, Annika, Francis, Keiran, Lena, and Levi; and his brother, Jim Murphy of Syracuse, New York.

Joe will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering integrity, thoughtful leadership, and genuine kindness. His steady presence enriched the lives of everyone who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Hoxworth Blood Center in honor of Joe's lifelong commitment to giving the gift of life through blood donation.

https://foundation.uc.edu/murphy

The family has chosen to hold private services at this time.