Captain Jerome “Jerry” Thomas Murphy, USN (Ret.) age 80, died on August 21, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. He was former First Selectman in Brookfield, a position he held from 2003-2007. He stayed active with participation on the Candlewood Lake Authority, Brookfield Inland Wetlands Commission, Brookfield Lions Club and Brookfield VFW. He was an active member of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic Church, according to his obituary.
Brookfield First Selectman First Selectman, Stephen Dunn said, "Jerry was a true leader in our town, having been on a number of boards as well as serving for four years as First Selectman. Jerry’s first concern in anything he did was consider what was best for our town. He never put politics before doing what was right. He was a true gentleman and was always courteous and kind."
Please read Jerry's obituary below:
Jerry was what you would call a true patriot, serving his country for 31 years in the U.S. Navy and then serving the Brookfield, Connecticut, community as First Selectman from 2003-2007.
He is survived by his wife, Susan, his three children, Christopher (wife Sharon) of Portsmouth, RI, Julia Ashby (husband Chip) of Upper Arlington, OH, Katherine Kelly (husband Shawn) of Natick, MA, and his nine adoring grandchildren, Nicholas, Joseph, Ashley, Spencer, Luke, Keira, Brennan, Liam and Reid.
Jerry graduated from Colgate University and became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy. He served his country in the Vietnam War and then for the following decades. He served as Executive Officer on USS Kalamazoo and commanded the following ships: USS Penobscot, USS Pluck, USS Suribachi and USS Charleston. Jerry’s final tour at sea was as Commander, Amphibious Squadron Six which consisted of five ships, including the flagship USS Guadacanal and a Marine Expeditionary Unit. Assignments ashore included two tours at the Pentagon and one at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. His military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal and the Legion of Merit.
Upon his retirement from the Navy, Jerry and Susan moved to Brookfield. With no ships in sight, Jerry continued his patriotic duty in service to the community where he was elected First Selectman from 2003-2007. He stayed active with participation on the Candlewood Lake Authority, Brookfield Inland Wetlands Commission, Brookfield Lions Club and Brookfield VFW. He was an active member of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Gertrude, his twin sister, Ellen, and his brother, Tony. He is also survived by his brothers, Dr. Stephen Murphy of Walnut Creek, CA, Nicholas Murphy of Richmond, VA, Dr. Quentin Murphy of Brookfield, CT, and Gregory Murphy of Paris, France.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Jerry’s memory to the United Way of Western Connecticut,where he once served on the Board of Directors.