After a 14-month battle with metastasized colon cancer, BJ passed away early Tuesday morning, September 17th, 2019. He had been in hospice care at home since September 3rd. On Monday morning, he was transferred to the Compassionate Care Center to ease his breathing struggles. Simon, Anderson, Bennett, and Theodore were all able to visit with him on Monday to say goodbye, and Rachel, his sister, Amie, and his niece, Farrel, were with him at the end. 

Simon, Anderson, Bennett, and Theodore were all well prepared for his passing and are handling his death well. They will be returning to school Thursday and are excited to return to a normal routine. Rachel has been strong throughout BJ's illness and passing and has proven to us all that she can handle anything.

Family and friends will be received for calling hours on Friday (9/20) from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and on Saturday (9/21) from 9:00 to 10:30 am at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Canton. A Mass of Christian burial will follow Saturday (9/21) at 11:00 am, also at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. A private family burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Michael School (make checks payable to St. Michael School, list "Robert Murphy Memorial" in the memo line, and mail to 3431 St. Michael Blvd NW, Canton OH 44718).