John T. Murphy ’60

After dealing with Parkinson’s disease for several years, John died of lung cancer Dec. 27, 2023. He was 85.

He grew up in Yonkers, N.Y., and attended Riverdale Prep School, where he graduated valedictorian and scholar-athlete of the year. He was an English major at Princeton, where he ate at Cap & Gown. He roomed with Henry Stewart, Alex Irvine, and Mac Landers. He went on to attend Columbia medical school after three years of college. Subsequently, he obtained a Ph.D. in neurophysiology at McGill University.

John’s career in medicine spanned both academic research and clinical medicine. He initially embarked on a career in neurophysiology research, advancing to professor and chairman of neurophysiology at University of Toronto. Among his many academic contributions, John authored more than 90 research publications.

In 1980, John took the unusual step of transitioning to clinical medicine, entering a residency in neurology at age 42. He was a consulting neurologist at Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto until 1987 when he established a private practice and neurologic testing facility in Barrie, Ontario, Canada.

John loved nature and the outdoors, and he spent many hours hiking, sailing, skiing, and taking his wife and four young children on camping trips through the Canadian wilderness. He enjoyed educating himself on topics including mathematics and economics. He also loved music and was an accomplished pianist.

John and Barbara initially retired to St. Michaels, Md., on the Chesapeake Bay. In later years they moved to New Hampshire and finally to Allentown, N.J., to be close to family.

John was predeceased by his son, Richard. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara; daughters Cara Barlis and Seanna Johnston; son John; their spouses; and nine grandchildren.