Charles Henry Murphy, Jr.

Charles Henry Murphy, Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 1, 1927. He passed peacefully on March 13, 2025, at the age of 97. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Henry and Dorothy Berrey Murphy, beloved late wife, Elizabeth Anne Brown Murphy, and granddaughter, Grace Anne Ossing.

As his father was a Navy officer, Charles's childhood homes were scattered: in southern California where his mother's family lived, in Washington DC and brief periods in Kansas City and Newport, Rhode Island. He graduated Georgetown University, majoring in mathematics, and went on to earn two Masters and a PhD from Johns Hopkins University. He worked in ballistics research for the U.S. Army for 47 years at Aberdeen Proving Ground, retiring as chief of Weapons Concepts Division in the Weapons and Materials Research Directorate. He was awarded the Army's Decoration for Meritorious Civilian Service, authored more than 50 papers in the scientific literature, and was a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.  Early recognitions included the U.S. Army nominee for the Outstanding Young Man in Federal Government in 1966 and the Maryland Engineer of the Year Award in 1969. His pastimes included contract bridge, downhill skiing, reading and taking cruises. He was a Life Master with the American Contract Bridge League.

Charles is survived by his loving children, Christopher Kevin Murphy (Laura Norton), Michael Timothy Murphy, Sharon Elizabeth Murphy (Stephen Hecht), Virginia Kathleen Murphy (Steve Cirivello), Deirdre Louise Murphy (Stephen Gavett) and Megan Murphy Ossing (Daniel Ossing). Including his dear sisters, Mary Catherine Hanson and Mary Patricia Rempe. He was also a cherished grandfather to Michael K. Murphy, Rachel L. Murphy, Gregory P. Murphy, Kathryn E. Ossing, Timothy P. Murphy, Charlotte M. Hecht, David H. Ossing, Rowan M. Cirivello, Natalina H. Contoreggi, John C. Ossing, Mary H. Ossing, Elizabeth M. Cirivello, Mei M. Hecht, Sarah J. Ossing and great grandchildren, Grace E. Murphy, Meredith Murphy, Keller Murphy, Aidan Murphy, Kyle Avitabile, Laila Arenales Ossing, Juliet Murphy, and many nieces and grand nieces and nephews. His loss will be felt by many other caring family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Candle Light Funeral Home, 1835 Frederick Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228, on Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 3-5 pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 11, at 10 am in the Chapel at St. Mark Catholic Church, 30 Melvin Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228. Interment services will follow at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 2150 Mt View Rd, Marriottsville, MD 21104.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choosing.