Joseph Patrick Murphy

On November 28th, 2022 in beautiful San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico, Joseph Patrick Murphy passed away surrounded by his loved ones. “Joe” was born on October 30th 1976 to Joseph Michael Murphy and D Janeene Murphy in Keokuk, Iowa.  Joe spent the first part of his childhood in Keokuk, IA.  The family moved to Riverdale Utah in 1980. Joe attended Riverdale Elementary, T.H. Bell Jr High and Bonneville High School (when he did attend).

As a child Joe could be found playing with his toys in the sandbox, with his mountains of legos, or collecting Garbage Pal Kids cards. He spent many days riding his three-wheeler through the neighborhood into the fields and soaking up the sun in his friend Troy’s backyard pool. At an early age Joe feel in love with golf after only a few lessons. He continued to love golf throughout his life and passed his love of the sport on to his sons and daughter.

Joe held many jobs in his teenage years, from concrete to moving companies and so much more. After graduation he worked at Staker Parsons at the pit in North Salt Lake, then moved to Lifetime products. Soon after he took a job At Hill Air Force Base.

Joe met Brandy Donehoo in July of 1998 and feel head over heals for her and her two boys, Jesse & Tyler Parkin. They married in April 2002 at St. Mary’s Catholic church.  Together they raised the boys and welcomed Hannah Jo Murphy on November 2nd, 2004. They took many family trips together and enjoyed golfing, boating, camping and family parties.  Joe loved Jesse, Tyler and Hannah more than anyone ever knew. He raised and loved the boys as if they were his and he was very proud to call them his sons. Hannah was the apple of his eye. He loved to take her for ice cream after school, teach and share with her his love of golf. We will all remember how he would say “Hannah Banana”. Joe and brandy later divorced in 2015.

Joe met Michelle Palmer in the summer of 2020 and married on July 24th 2021. Together they enjoyed get-a-ways to Mexico and decided it was their place to be. They set sail to follow their dream, and ended up in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. 

Joe had a passion for cooking and entertaining. He was the first one to offer to throw a party, attend a party, bartend or just show up. Joe loved to host family holidays at his home, he was at the grill or smoker and making sure everyone had a great time. For many years Joe hosted the Annual Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day Party. If you were lucky enough to attend one of these parties than nothing else needs to be said. Throughout Joe’s life he had so many lifetime friends. While some came and went the bond was there forever. Marshal and Joe shared a special bond as youngsters and well into their adult life, and that friendship will live on forever. Joe loved and adored all his friends and if you were lucky enough to know Joe then you are lucky enough to be called his friend.  Joe was blessed enough to take many trips with his friends and have life experiences so many of us dream of. From weekends on the boat at Pineview as a member of the Yacht club, to being a member of the Hostlers Model Railroad Club, there wasn’t a lot he wasn’t into. Joe loved to Scuba Dive, travel, and share his love for a good meal with those he loved. While Joe was big in stature and appeared to be the tough guy, there wasn’t a bigger heart on the planet than Joe’s. He cried and showed emotion in so many ways. When the national anthem came on, he cried, his kid’s accomplishments he cried and when he lost one of his beloved pets, he cried.

We as a family would like to sincerely thank Saint Luke’s Hospital in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico for all the love and support they showed for “Mr. Joe”.  We would like to send a special thanks to Jeronimo Pliego Lira for your friendship, selflessness and genuine love and compassion to our family.

A mass will be held Saturday December 17th at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church 1100 E 5550 S. Ogden, Utah. A Celebration of Joe’s life will follow from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Country Events 3051 S 5100 W. Hooper, UT.  Please join us to celebrate Joe’s life and share memories and stories.

If you are anyone you know are battling addiction, please reach out for help.

Joe, may you cruise the oceans of heaven and enjoy the beautiful sunsets.