Dr Edward Gerard Murphy Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Doctor Edward Gerard Murphy, age 61, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, October 15, 2017. Ed was born on November 21st, 1955 to Edward L. Murphy and Isabelle Corona Murphy. A Cohoes native, Ed was born and raised not far from his mother’s childhood home. Ed was a graduate of Keveny Memorial Academy and State University of New York at Albany. Ed worked in the area until leaving for Harvard Medical School where he graduated with honors. Ed returned home to complete his post-graduate hospital training at St. Clare’s Hospital. He went on to serve as Medical Director at Leonard Hospital, Vice President of Clinical Services and, finally, President and CEO. There, he spearheaded a merger between Leonard Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital that resulted in the creation of the Seton Health System, a multi-hospital system providing physician care, home health care services, the Schuyler Ridge Nursing Home, and a variety of other services. In 1998, Ed was appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Carilion Health System where he became President and CEO in 2001. There, he led the organization through its transformation from a traditional healthcare system to an integrated, physician-led, patient-centered healthcare organization. Carilion Clinic has been nationally recognized for its innovation, excellence in care, and service to community. Ed was instrumental in the creation of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute that took a cutting-edge approach to medical education, patient-centered care, problem solving, and transformative biomedical research. From there, he went on to serve as the Chairman of the Board of several companies, each dedicated to providing innovative, quality, and cost-effective healthcare across the nation. Serving his community was always a priority for Ed, leading him to take leadership roles in numerous non-profit organizations dedicated to education, health care improvement, and quality of life. Throughout Ed’s life, his work, and his travels, it was always important to him to remain connected to his roots in Cohoes and remain centered in his devout Catholic faith. Ed was beloved by his family, friends, and all who worked with him for his humble and soft-spoken nature, his sense of humor, and his willingness to work hard with no expectation of reward or acclaim. He will be sorely missed by many. He loved to spend time in the kitchen, creating family meals that could be enjoyed surrounded by those who loved him and whom he loved. Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Arlene Murphy of CT, and his two daughters, Sarah Elizabeth Murphy and Emily Anne Murphy, as well as his siblings, James J. Murphy of FL and Beverly Murphy Karpiak of Cohoes. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Tammie (Alan) Topel, Mark Murphy, James David Murphy, and Brent Murphy Karpiak (Alison). Friends and relatives are invited to call at the Marra Funeral Home, 246 Remsen Street, Cohoes, NY on Sunday, October 22 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Church, 122 Vliet Blvd., Cohoes on Monday, October 23 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Waterford, NY. Donations can be made in Ed’s memory to the Carilion Clinic Foundation, P.O. Box 12187, Roanoke VA 24023 or to the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Riverside 1, Suite 107, Roanoke VA 24016.

Dr Edward Gerard Murphy

November 21, 1955 - October 15, 2017