Traut / Trout(t) Family

James Dennis Murphy, Sr.

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Former owner of Shamus Restaurant

Lockport Union-Sun & Journal
Thursday, September 18, 2003

James D. Murphy, former owner of the Shamus Restaurant, passed away peacefully, September 17, 2003 at the age of 88, at Lockport Memorial Hospital.  Murphy had been hospitalized September 6, 2003 following repeated falls at home, and had been attended by home health care aids, friends, family and more recently, Niagara Hospice.

Murphy was one of six children, born in Lockport to Thomas Murphy and Anna O'Hearn Murphy.  He had married the former Elizabeth Hagadorn, who predeceased him in 1975.  He had also been predeceased by his sisters and brothers, Mary Walker, Francis Murphy, Joseph Murphy, Helen Ryan, and Rita Ritz.

He is survived by four daughters, Anna Beth (David) Kinyon of Lockport, Mary Ellen (Gregory) Tick of Phoenix, AZ, Molly Murphy of Madison, WI, Penee (Robert) Wagnor of Newfane, and a son, Denee (James Dennis, Jr.) (Judy) Murphy of Newfane. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren,  Mark Kinyon, Monica Kinyon, Colin Tick, Jessica Tick, Brennan Murphy, Miranda Murphy, Denee Wagner, Heather Murphy, Erin Murphy, and Desiree Murphy.  He was predeceased by the late Robert Wagner, Jr.

Murphy had been a Lockport restaurateur for over 50 years, holding positions at Murphy's, Restaurant, the Locks Plaza, the Park Hotel and the Wilson Tuscarora Club, in addition to over 20 years as proprietor of the Shamus Restaurant at its original North Transit Street location and at its 98 West Avenue location.  He was active politically, having served as Lockport City Republican Chairman in the 1960's and he ran unsuccessfully as the republican candidate for Niagara County Clerk in 1964.  Murphy was former Commissioner of the Niagara County Civil Service Commission.

Relatives and friends may call Friday from 4 to 8 pm at Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport, where prayers will be offered Saturday morning at 9:30 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Church, 76 Church Street, Lockport at 10 AM.  Interment will be in Royalton Cemetery on Royalton Center Road.  Memorials to DeSales Catholic School, 6914 Chestnut Ridge Road, Lockport, NY 14094 or to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset  Drive, Lockport, NY 14094 would be appreciated by the family.