Saratoga Springs, NY- Dennis Patrick Murphy, of Saratoga Springs, NY, died at home surrounded by family in the early morning on Saturday, April 22. The cause of death was mesothelioma.

Dennis was born to Raymond Murphy and Dolores (Etzel) Murphy on August 23, 1950, in Buffalo, N.Y. He attended high school at St. Joe's Collegiate Institute where he was a standout athlete. Decades later, St. Joe's would induct him into their Sports Hall of Fame.

While at St. Joe's, he met his future wife of nearly 50 years, Mary (Scime) Murphy. They married on May 4, 1973. In 1975, they saw the birth of their first son, Gregory, followed by their second son, Daniel, in 1978. Dennis graduated from the University of Buffalo where he earned a master's degree in public health.

With a decision that must have required some pluck (or the daring of youth) in 1979 Dennis and Mary moved their family from Buffalo to Clifton Park, NY where he took a job (that was not even permanent at the time) at the New York State Health Department. He would remain in various roles there for the next 35 years before finishing his career with a five-year stint working for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Dennis was a dedicated professional who cared about excellence and outcomes in his work. He was well-liked by his colleagues.

An avid athlete and a friendly presence, Dennis's greatest joy was his family. He taught his children to work hard, have fun, respect the elderly, and do their best to be kind. His grandchildren brought him endless pride and joy. Along with Mary, he drove countless times across the Northeast to provide childcare, celebrate birthdays, attend circus camp, and play with his grandchildren. His love of working outdoors was demonstrated by the landscaping and flower gardens surrounding his home. He enjoyed an active life, playing golf, pickle ball, and ice hockey in addition to hiking. He loved history and read widely on the subject. He spent every Friday for many years as a volunteer at the Saratoga Battlefield National Park. He was also an active member of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. During his retirement he traveled extensively to Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa.

He was a good man, who was well-loved and loved well. He made contributions to society through his life and work and raised a tight-knit family. He bore his illness with humility, grace, and dignity with the partnership of his wife Mary, whose unwavering support and strength inspired admiration, and with the support of sons, daughters-in-laws, and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Mary (Scime) Murphy; sons, Gregory Raymond and Daniel Anthony; daughters-in-law, Emily Ruth Singer and Abigail Jean Youngblood; grandchildren, Rachel, Maya, Alexandra, and Leo; his sister Patricia (Murphy) Halicki and husband Donald Halicki; nephew, Matthew Halicki; niece, Erin (Halicki) Patterson, her husband Nathan Patterson and Dennis's great nephew, Bennett Patterson.

His family will miss him dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, May 5, 2023 from 4-7pm at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. A graveside service will be conducted at 10am on Saturday May 6, 2023 in Prospect Hill Cemetery,  41 Burgoyne Street, Schuylerville, NY (Proceed down Burgoyne Street until you see the Saratoga Monument. You will see the entrance to the cemetery at the Saratoga Monument.)

Donations are welcome to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation ( https://www.jdrf.org/donate/ ) or St.Joseph's Collegiate Institute (https://www.sjci.com/apps/pages/givetoday) in memory of Dennis Murphy.