Obituary of Francis L. Murphy

Francis L. Murphy, age 87, of Tioga, PA, passed away Saturday, November 25, 2017 at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital, Wellsboro, PA. He was born June 23, 1930 in Farmington Twp., a son of Leo and Mary Cora (Dailey) Murphy. Francis worked at the Tioga Skating Rink for 57 years. He was employed at Dresser Rand in Wellsboro as an assembler, painter, packer and checker, retiring in June of 1992; was employed at the Twain Theater in Mansfield for 12 years operating the movie projector. Francis was a member of the Holy Child Catholic Church in Mansfield; the Tioga Grange 1223 from 1949 to present; held offices at the Grange and served as master twice, and as secretary and treasurer; was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, 3rd degree and 4th degree. Francis was a 60 year member of the Tioga American Legion, a member of the Galeton VFW, served six years on State Grange Youth Committee; past board member of the Elmira Little Theater and the Elkland Theatre and built sets for them; past member of the former Gas Light Theatre in Wellsboro, PA; member of the Tourist Assoc. for 9 years; secretary of Dresser Credit Union for 9 years; served as general chairman of the Tioga Old Home Day for 60 years as of 2015; built the Pomona Grange floats for 40 years; was a member of the Pomona Grange for 30 years holding all offices; helped at the Pomona Grange Youth Camp for 18 years. Francis was a U. S. Army veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. Francis is survived by 2 nephews, James "Jim" and Tammy Evans of Tioga, PA, Keith Evans of Millerton, PA; a niece, Susan (Ken) Pilgram of Okeechobee, FL; a great niece, Mindy Gray of CA; close friend and foster brother, Jim B. Lewis of Huber, OH. He was predeceased by an infant brother, James Leo Murphy, a sister, Althea Evans in 1981, and a nephew, Tommy Evans. Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Child Catholic Church, Mansfield, PA with Rev. Brian Wright as celebrant. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Holiday, PA. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com