Downers Grove Tutor Dies After Saving Grandson From Drowning

Dennis Murphy of La Grange passed away Thursday, June 12, after he saved his grandson from drowning in a canoeing accident near Nazareth, PA, the Doings La Grange reported last week.

Murphy, 70, was born April 10, 1943 in Elkhart, IN. 

He earned a BS degree in electrical engineering form Purdue University and an MBA from Northwestern University before working as a staff accountant for ComEd. 

When he retired, Murphy worked as a substitute teacher at Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove and at Lyons Township High School. He was also on the board of directors at Ruth Lake Country Club in Hinsdale and the Fairway Club in La Grange, according to Adolf Funeral Home.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Deborah; two daughters, Kristin Murphy and Laura Ferri; three grandchildren, Samuel, Thomas and Lucy; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Niemann. 

Visitation was held Tuesday, June 18, at Adolf Funeral Home, 7000 S. Madison St., Willowbrook. A funeral service was held Wednesday, June 19, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 139 E. First St., Hinsdale. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dennis Murphy Memorial Scholarship Fund at The Avery Coonley School.

Read the full Doings La Grange story here.

Information courtesy of Adolf Funeral Home.