Theodore "Ted" A. Murphy

Theodore “Ted” A. Murphy, 87, passed away in his home in Rockford, Illinois on February 22, 2023. Born in Rockford, Illinois on June 18, 1935, son to Clifford and Helen (Cole) Murphy. Ted attended East High School, class of 1954. He joined the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958 and served in the Army Reserve until 1963. He worked for Pierce Box and Paper Company for over 35 years. In November of 1969, he married Judith Anderson in Rockford. They were parishioners at St. Mark Lutheran Church and were proud Youth Leaders there for 8 years. In their free time the family enjoyed summers at their cabin in Northern Wisconsin where Ted enjoyed catching fish and making memories. At home, Ted had a woodworking shop where he proudly crafted beautiful furniture and cabinets he enjoyed gifting to friends and family.

Ted will be missed by those who loved him most, his wife of 53 years, Judi; his five daughters he was so proud of, Susan (John) Fulling, Dorsey (Bob) Reinke, Sara Murphy, Mimi Murphy (Nino) Orifici, and Rebecca (Rick) Nelson; beloved grandchildren Emily Fulling, Ali Fulling, Beth Reinke, Theo (Jessica) Reinke, Kelly (Chris) Brown, Logan Brown, Noelle Brown, Megan Orifici, Adam Orifici, Taylor Nelson and Tristan Nelson. A very special mention to Billy Place and his daughter, Abbey, as well as Murf, the beloved family dog. Ted is predeceased by his parents and is greeted in heaven by all the other family dogs that have passed through the years.

Cremation rites were accorded with Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois. A private celebration of life will take place at the family cabin in Wisconsin, as that was Ted’s favorite place to be. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, 111 N 1st street, Rockford, Illinois 61107. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com