John T. Murphy ’60

A Bronx native, John prepared for Princeton at Riverdale Country School in the same borough, where he was the football quarterback, played basketball, was chosen scholar athlete, and became class valedictorian in his spare time. At Princeton, he majored in English, joined Cap & Gown, and continued athletics in IAA competition.

John earned a medical degree at Columbia Medical School in 1963, then moved to Canada for a residency in neurophysiology at McGill University Faculty of Medicine in Montreal. At the University of Toronto, he concentrated on neurophysiologic research and rose to become professor and chairman of the Department of Physiology.

In 1980, John decided to specialize in clinical work and did so there until 1987, when he established a private neurology practice in Barrie, Ontario, where he practiced until retirement. He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman, taking his family on extended canoeing trips through the Canadian wilderness, sailing, and skiing. He was also a dedicated reader and informed student of mathematics and economic issues.

John died Dec. 27, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara; three of their four children; and nine grandchildren. Our condolences to them all.