Timothy Murphy

Timothy Murphy, a pillar of the Saugerties community, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at the Pines Nursing Facility. He was born on April 28, 1948 in Kingston to the late Henry "Bud" and Margaret "Dolly"  Murphy. He leaves behind a legacy of service, commitment, and love. Tim was a man of integrity, whose life was a testament to the values he held dear.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, JoAnn, their four children, and nine grandchildren: Melissa Murphy Etchechury (James), Captain Scott Murphy Etchechury of Amberg, Germany, Captain Shane Murphy Etchechury of West Point, NY, Jace Murphy Etchechury of Chicago, IL, Erin Murphy Harper (Eric) and their children Aidan, Kaitlyn, and Brendan Harper of Sodus, NY, Brian Murphy (Kim) and their children Jack and Kylie Murphy of Warners, NY, and Kevin Murphy (Nicole) and their daughter Mikayla Murphy of Saugerties, NY. Tim also leaves behind his two brothers and two sisters, Tom Murphy (Jean), Margaret “Peggy” Vaselewski (Frank), Patti Murphy, Bill Murphy (Dana), a sister-in-law, Linda Murphy, and his Uncle Franklin Clum, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother James Murphy.

A proud graduate of Saugerties High School Class of 1966 and Siena College 1970, Tim went on to earn his law degree, from Albany Law School, in 1973. For 49 years, he practiced law, where he was known for his integrity and dedication to justice. His legal career was marked by his roles as an Assistant Public Defender and an Assistant District Attorney for Ulster County, where he served for 32 years. Tim’s commitment to the law was paralleled by his service to his country. After participating in ROTC at Siena, he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant and served briefly after law school.

Tim was also involved in his community and believed in giving back. He served as a town judge from 1975 to 1977 and was a member of the Ulster County Bar Association. His enthusiasm for sports led him to coach Saugerties Little League and Babe Ruth for over 20 years and to play SAA sports for 35 years, an achievement that saw him elected to the Saugerties Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

His Funeral Procession will form 9:15 am Monday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home Inc., corner of John and Lafayette Sts. It will continue to the St. Mary of the Snow Church for a 10 am Funeral Mass. Burial with military honors will follow in the St. Mary of the Snow Cemetery. His Visitation will be held Saturday 6-8 PM and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 pm. To include a memory or a photo in his Tribute Book please visit SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com

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