Daniel A. Murphy Jr.

Daniel A. Murphy Jr., age 69, of Williamsburg, VA passed away on Thursday, July 7th, 2022.

Born in Springfield, PA, Dan graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School in 1971 and went on to attend St. Joseph’s University (1975), graduating with a degree in Food Marketing and Sales Management.

Dan began his long and distinguished career in the food industry with early stops at Swift Meats, Hormel, Ragú and Welch’s. Before long, he found his niche in the seafood industry, where he became an accomplished sales leader at Icelandic USA. Dan spent 17 years at Icelandic before joining forces with Trident Seafoods as an EVP of Sales until his most recent role as Chief Commercial Officer at Sea Watch International, overseeing the company’s sales, marketing, and research and development division, which he began in 2020.

Dan added expertise to his workplace, joy to his interactions, enthusiasm to every decision, and usually added shrimp to every hors d’oeuvre or meal he concocted.

Dan coached many sales professionals over the years, but his proudest coaching days were those coaching his two daughters in youth sports. As Jill and Jodi got more specialized in their formative years, taking on the game of field hockey, Dan became a doting fan — never overbearing and always happy to watch them compete all over the country, with surprise away-game visits and hosting the notorious Philadelphia Cheesesteak tailgates. After both daughters became decorated D1 coaches themselves, Dan basked in the opportunity to share their success stories with any and all.

With an often hectic travel schedule over the course of his career, his favorite place to call home was his wife Dee. Whether that was strolling Duke of Gloucester street in Colonial Williamsburg on a Saturday morning, hauling up I-95 riding shotgun and reading the newspaper, or sitting on the porch of their Chincoteague condo, Dee was home to Dan. They enjoyed the simple pleasures of going to the movies, convivial dinners among friends, and taking their beloved dog Darby on walks.

Every trip up I-95 to PA landed Dan in Downingtown where he was both a devoted son-in-law and cherished grandfather. Dan was a memory-maker and creator of fun for all, especially his three grandchildren who always anxiously awaited his antics and his everyday love. And perhaps a Swedish fish or two.

Dan was the orchestrator of many annual golf trips for his friends and family alike. The “Murphy Cup” was one of his favorite weekends of the year. Dan was a consummate prankster, with his circle of friends serving as both wingmen and recipients of his perpetual shenanigans.

Dan took fashion cues from no one and always stood out in the crowd. His signature everyday look was all his: bright shirts, eccentric socks, comfy skechers, and his Irish flat cap. Known for never shying away from a live mic and a karaoke machine, Dan will be remembered for his captivating stories, entertaining ensembles, and commanding presence. Dan was the ultimate host, ensuring no one felt like a stranger when all of his dearest life friends and family were together.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Daniel A. Murphy Sr. and Joan Murphy. Dan is survived by his loving wife, Dee Murphy of Williamsburg, VA; children, Jill Myers (Bret) of Downingtown, PA and Jodi Murphy of Nashville, TN; three grandchildren, Hayden, Brody, and Jade Myers; four siblings, Karen Murphy, Denise Gallagher (Jimmy), Neal Murphy (Sue), and Kevin Murphy (Mary), mother-in-law Dolores Young and sadly missed by his Aunt Jane Kirby, many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and sweet pup Darby.

The family will receive friends 9:30-11:00 AM, Monday, July 18, 2022 at St. Joseph Parish Downingtown followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment SS Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA. A luncheon will follow at Anthony’s Ristorante Springfield.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, Dan’s family would appreciate donations to the Academy of Food Marketing at St. Joseph’s University, online HERE or to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, online HERE, or to another charity of your choice.

May the friendships you make, be those which endure, and all of your grey clouds, be small ones for sure. And trusting in Him to whom we all pray, may a song fill your heart, every step of the way.