Paul D. Murphy

8/2/25

After leading a life of service and adventure, Paul D. Murphy passed away four days shy of his 89th birthday on August 2nd with family by his side.

Paul, along with his three brothers, grew up in Central Square, the son of Bertha and Grant Murphy. After graduating from high school, Paul joined the United States Army and was stationed in France for two years. Upon his return, he attended Oswego State University where he obtained a degree in Education.

Paul married Theresa (Terry) VanAucken. They started their family in Bolton Landing, NY and eventually settled in Skaneateles where they raised six children. Paul began his teaching career at Skaneateles Central School District as a technology teacher where he remained for over thirty years until retirement. Because he could never sit still, post- retirement, Paul began a second career at Chase Design working in the model lab and remained there for ten years. Following his second retirement he volunteered for Laker Limo.

Paul was an active and proud member of the Skaneateles Fire Department for 55 years. He held the positions of Chief, Assistant Chief and President. He loved his morning coffee club with “the boys”, Syracuse sports and a good gin and seven with a twist of lime. He had the great fortune of traveling the world in retirement. He loved to share tales from his seven trips to Ireland creating memories with many different friends and meeting many new ones along the way. Paul had a wonderful knack for making friends wherever he went.

Paul lost Terry in 1983 to cancer, but was lucky to have found a second chance at love with his partner of many years, Gail Brehm. Paul and Gail created a lifetime of memories together and helped each other when they both needed it the most. Gail was a constant source of love in his life and they were affectionately known by many as Paulie and Gailie. They shared in the love of their canine child, Wylie.

Paul was predeceased by his wife Terry, his parents, his brother Bob and sister-in-law Sheliah.

He is survived by his children Kelly (Larry), Kim (Ray), Karyn, Steve (Cindy), Kerry (Tom) and Kristine aka Cookie (Phil) as well as ten grandchildren Alexis, Evan and Cameron Hall, Madelyn, Riley and Bella Brogan, Tara, Jenna and Jack Schroeder and Ava Murphy. He is also survived by two great grandchildren Naveah and Noah, his brothers Norm and Millard and members of the VanAucken family.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 10th from 1 to 3 pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A private service for family will be held later. He will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Skaneateles.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Glowacki for his compassion and care of Paul. They would also like to thank the staff on the Rehabilitation and 4th Floors at The Commons. Also, a heart-felt thank you to Mike and Steve Casper for their years of care and support for both Paul and their mother Gail.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Skaneateles Fire Department and Laker Limo, two organizations that meant a great deal to him.

To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.