Lawrence P. Murphy

Lawrence Paul “Larry” Murphy, 61, of Canton, passed away at home after a long and courageous battle with ALS on Thursday, July 2, 2020. Throughout the disease process, he kept an upbeat, positive attitude along with never losing his sense of humor or ability to make those around him smile. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife Kathleen, who stood by his side through many trying times as his disease progressed.

Larry was born January 19, 1959 in Canton, the son of the late Francis and Kathleen (Wood) Murphy. He was the only son in a family with four sisters. He loved the many camping adventures and long hikes with his family during his early years. He was also an outdoorsman who enjoyed time spent fishing and hunting while growing up.

Following graduation from Hugh C. Williams High School in Canton in 1978, Larry enlisted in the Marines where he thrived, enjoying the physical demands of boot camp. During his military service, he was primarily stationed at Camp Pendleton in California with many stops throughout the US as well as Australia. His job duties included working as an Assault Amphibian Vehicle repairman as well as an Electrical Equipment repairman. During his service in the Marines, he was honored with two separate meritorious mast awards for his outstanding service, noting his “Can-Do” attitude and professionalism. After dutifully serving his country for four years, he was honorably discharged on April 4, 1984.

After his discharge from the Marines, Larry enrolled at SUNY Canton’s Construction Engineering Program; graduating with an associate’s degree in Applied Science in May of 1985. He held many jobs over his lifetime starting by working at his father’s business, K&M electronics. He went on to be employed doing maintenance work at ARC in Canton. His most recent jobs were held at St. Lawrence University, where he worked in the IT, custodial and skilled trades departments up until his illness made work impossible.

Larry had a love for life enjoying the simple things like having friends over to chat and have a cold beer together in his garage, where he could often be found tinkering around in his self-made wood shop. He enjoyed home renovations, taking a one room schoolhouse and making it in to a beautiful home. He and Kathy, his wife of 13 years, enjoyed listening and dancing to 50’s and 60’s music, socializing with friends at the VFW and taking local boat cruises along with many other adventures.

Lawrence is survived by three children, Kirsten, Erin and Meghan, all of whom are from a previous marriage to Cherlyn Fowler which ended in divorce. He also leaves behind two step-sons, Cody and Cory, four grandchildren; Rian, Emma, Lilly and Lennox; four sisters, Cynthia Cahill, Patricia McKenzie, Vicky (Murphy) Wimmer and Colleen Kaulfuss, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the ALS Association, Greater New York Chapter; 42 Broad Street, Suite 1724; New York, NY 10004 or at als_ny.org.

A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 11:00 am at the St. Mary’s Church, Canton. There will be a Celebration of Life held at a later date to be announce.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Lawrence P. Murphy are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.

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