Joan J. Murphy (Scalia), a longtime resident of Cos Cob, CT, passed away at her home on February 21, 2024 at age 100 surrounded by her loving family.

Joan, the daughter of the late Anthony and Antoinette (Manzo) Scalia, was born July 30, 1923, in Brooklyn, NY. She is predeceased by the love of her life and husband of 56 years, John J. Murphy, a WWII veteran. She is also predeceased by her beloved daughter, Joan Zurlo and her three brothers, Frank, Tom, and Jim Scalia.

Joan graduated from Girls High in Brooklyn and worked in retail sales and banking in NYC. Joan and John married September 13, 1947, raised their 6 children in Massapequa Park, NY and spent many summers at their beach house in Breezy Point, NY. Upon retirement, Joan and John built their dream home on the same property in Breezy Point. They also enjoyed spending their winters at their home in Delray Beach, FL.

Joan will be remembered for her devotion to her family (“family first”) and her love of cooking, baking and entertaining. She loved having a big family and enjoyed preparing Sunday and holiday dinners for her extended family as well. Her interests also included gardening and decorating, especially during the holiday seasons. Joan also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, whom she cherished and adored. Joan was a strong, resilient, and selfless woman who was an inspiration to her family.

Her surviving children include Irene Walker (James Santaguida), Edward Murphy (Christine Botti), Laura Marks, Elizabeth Aly (Amr) and Catherine Murphy. Seven grandchildren also survive her: John Zurlo, Claudia Goralnik (Daniel), Christopher Walker (Alanna Broderick), Lauren Murphy, Patrick Murphy, Stephen Aly, and Olivia Aly; 3 great-grandchildren; one great, great-granddaughter; her sister-in-law Mae Scalia; and many nieces and nephews.

Joan had a long and happy life with “no regrets.” We have been blessed to have Joan in our lives for so many years. Though she will be missed every day, her love, and the memories we share will remain in our hearts forever.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 26 at St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church, 2 Bayview Ave., Massapequa, NY at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joan’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at:

http://www.events.stjude.org/Joan_Murphy