Alan L. Murphy

Alan L. Murphy passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2024, in Arizona. He was born December 30, 1940 in Elyria. After graduating from Elyria High School in 1959, Alan enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving as an Air Policeman on Sondrestrom Air Base in Greenland, England Air Force Base in Alexandria, LA, and Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. While in the service, Alan married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Patricia (Patsy nee Masonis). Throughout their 40-year marriage, Alan and Pat loved to travel around the United States; their final trip together was a cruise to Alaska just before her death from cancer in 2001.

Alan spent nearly 40 years working in Banking and Marketing. After 21 years at Elyria Savings & Trust National Bank, he retired as Senior Vice President and launched his own businesses (Ad/Link Marketing and Image Works Advertising Specialties) in 1984. After officially retiring in 2003, Alan moved to Sierra Vista, Arizona to “become a cowboy and continue his traveling ways” with his close friend since 5th grade, Gloria Roka.

Hard work, community service and continuing education were Alan’s guiding principles. He had a thirst for knowledge, having studied at the Air Force Institute of Technology, Kent State University, the University of Chicago, the University of Colorado, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Georgia. He took great joy in serving the greater Elyria community and helped co-create the Elyria Apple Festival. He served as an Officer or Board Member for several community organizations including Elyria Credit Bureau, Sales and Marketing Executives of Lorain County, Elyria Rotary Club, Envision Elyria, Elyria Senior Center Board of Trustees, Salvation Army, Elyria Commerce & Industry Association, American Red Cross, United Way of Lorain County, Elyria Sesquicentennial Committee, Elyria Jaycees, and the Elyria Merchants Association. Alan was also a volunteer Lorain County Auxiliary Sheriff Deputy for 10 years.

As proud as he was of his military and community services, he was more proud of his family. Alan is survived by his companion, Gloria; his children, Jeff (Marisue), Susan and Jim (Traci); his adored grandchildren, Christy (Allen), Max (Katy Grace), Katie (Tony), Katie (Steve), Mariah, Ryan (Abby), Michael, Aubrey, Mason and Ava; his amazing great-grandchildren, Alleigh, Andrea, Cora, Braxton, Steven, Gracie and Nicholas; brothers, Richard, Ken (Francine) and Robert;  brother-in-law Bill (Posey); sister-in-law Kathy (Doug) and many loving nieces and nephews.

Alan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pat; parents, Margaret and Walter; brother Don; sister Helen; brother-in-law Larry and sisters-in-law Jean and Katie.

Friends will be received Monday April 22, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 323 Middle Avenue, Elyria. A memorial service will be Tuesday April 23, 2024, at 11:00 am in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 300 Third St, Elyria with Reverend June Hardy Dorsey, Rector officiating.  Burial will follow in Brookdale Cemetery, Elyria where Elyria VFW #1079 will present military honors.

Per Alan’s wishes, please send flowers—he loved flowers!

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