Elmwood Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Visitation Information

Kevin P. Murphy

Passed away on July 10, 2019

Kevin P. Murphy, age 83, resident of the East Side, passed away on July 10, 2019.  Beloved husband of Joann Podkul Murphy for 33 years, loving father of Mary Murphy, Therese Murphy and Cathy Murphy.  Devoted grandfather of Anna Scheff.  Dear son of the late Joseph and late Josephine Murphy.  Dearest brother of the late Maureen Murphy.  

Fond brother-in-law of Helen Mahalik, Margaret and Frank Proski, Stanley and Helen Kordyla, Jean and Joe Martino, Martha Ksiazek and Lottie Gayda, all of whom preceded him in death.

Loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.  

Kevin served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the 1950’s to 1960’s.  He earned his Master’s Degree in Sociology from DePaul University and was an educator for many years.

In addition to serving the Southeast Chicago community in historic preservation and environmental activities, Kevin supported the arts through his numerous YouTube videos.  For a number of years, he covered the Calumet Region as theatre reviewer for the Northwest Indiana Times.  He authored three novels and several plays, including “Unfriendly Fire”, revolving around the 1937 Republic Steel Massacre.  His website, “Spotlighting Southeast Chicago”, featured community events and celebrated too often neglected treasures on the Southeast Side.  

Visitation Sunday, July 14, 1-8 p.m.  Funeral services Monday, July 15, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Elmwood Chapel 11200 S. Ewing Ave., Chicago, IL  60617.  Cemetery private.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Kevin’s name to organizations providing for the homeless and the hungry, would be appreciated.  773-731-2749.  www.elmwoodcchapel.com. 

Funeral Service:
Elmwood Chapel
11200 S. Ewing Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60617
Monday, July 15, 2019 - 10:30 am

Interment:
Cemetery Private

Memorial Contributions:

 In lieu of flowers, donations in Kevin's name to organizations providing for the homeless and the hungry, would be appreciated.

Visitation Location

East Side
11200 S. Ewing Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 731-2749

Map

Visitation Information

Sunday, July 14, 2019 - 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm

Condolences
"Sad for Joann’s and the Murphy family's loss, and for a loss to the entire Calumet community. It’s rare to find someone as dedicated as Kevin Murphy. He will certainly be sorely missed."
- Thomas Shepherd
July 11, 2019 12:10 pm
"Joann, I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss. My heart goes out to you. I will forever remember Kevin's kind and generous spirit, his commitment to the Calumet region, and his friendly greetings any time I saw you two. Sending you and your family light and love during this time. Hugs, Laura"
- Laura Milkert
July 11, 2019 2:42 pm
"I love you and I miss you already Dad from your God Daughter Julia. I am so happy that you and Joann came into my life like a miracle. It’s hard picturing a world without you here. But you will live on in every person that you have touched with love, knowledge, kindness and joy. You always came to the table with theses seeds to be planted into another spirit as if you were saying pass it on. I hope I can live up to this task of passing the seeds on of love, knowledge, kindness, and joy. Thank You Dad for Sharing Them with Me and So Many Others."
- Julia Hunter
July 11, 2019 4:53 pm
"On behalf of the Quezada family, it is with great sadness that we heard about Kevin’s passing. We will especially miss his enthusiasm for the SE community and selflessly imparting his knowledge for everyone’s benefit. The Murphy family is in our thoughts during this time. We are here for you if you need anything. "
- Maribel Quezada
July 11, 2019 11:40 pm
"Kevin worked so hard with everyone when writing the play "Unfriendly Fire." I once in a lifetime event I was able to be part of with my son Doug, Ed Sadlowski, Studs Terkel and Leon DePre. Could never have happened without the talent, patience of Kevin Murphy. Wonderful local talent right in our neighborhood. "
- Ted Stalnos
July 12, 2019 1:23 am
"Sad news, but I am glad Kevin lived such a full life. I will miss his warm spirit and his tangible help with heritage efforts in the Calumet region. "
- Mario Longoni
July 12, 2019 12:53 pm
"So very sad to hear this news, Joann. Kevin always spotlighted southeast Chicago, and never spotlighted Kevin Murphy. A humble and generous man, who made the lives of everyone he touched better with his ideas, his great way with words, his passion, and his humanity. Peace, and a big hug. Mark"
- Mark Bouman
July 12, 2019 4:31 pm
"To the entire family upmost condolences n God speed he’s with Angels now watching over his family "
- Rick Jurewicz
July 14, 2019 7:18 pm
"I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family "
- Eric Arenas
July 14, 2019 7:25 pm
"Oh Joann, Both of you have been a big part of my life, plus all the work we have done on the Southeast Side of Chicago. Your documentation of all Earth Days, Stewardship programs, Historical Society & Chamber events. Plus urban planning, Seniors, local school and nonprofit Organization functions. Let’s not forget the labor union issues. Just learning new technology or finding new ways to lessen our carbon footprints, you were there to document. We love you and miss your kind heart. Joann will go forward to continue the work you started together and we will help her the best we can, but we are not you. Deepest Sympathy to family and friends Kevin will always be with us and helping in his own way."
- Patty Fisher
July 17, 2019 11:25 am
Candles Lit