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Frank Murphy, Chadds Ford Township supervisor since 2014 has died. Word came via text from fellow supervisor Samantha Reiner. Murphy had been battling cancer for the last three years. He is survived by his wife Anna-Marie and two daughters, Natalie and Juliana.
Murphy had two degrees, one in engineering and another in law. He was elected supervisor in November of 2013, defeating Democrat Rhona Klein. Prior to his election as supervisor, he was on the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board
Reiner said he was taken to the Chester County Hospital Wednesday evening. He was in the hospital when he died.
“Frank was a natural leader in Chadds Ford for many years,” Reiner said. “He was respected and looked up to by everyone. The community and officials have missed his wisdom and dedication during his illness. I extend my sincere condolences to his family at this very difficult time.”
Former Supervisor Noelle Barbone also served on the board with Murphy. She said, “I’m very sad. Right now. Frank Murphy was never looking for recognition or praise. He always stayed true to his values. He was a wonderful supervisor partner. He will be missed."
Former township manager Maryann Furlong also worked with Murphy for years.
“It was a privilege to work with Frank during my years as township manager. He was always the voice of reason in the room and had an uncanny ability to see all sides of an issue. I know he was very proud of the strides the township made in preserving open space, especially Brinton Run Preserve and Painter’s Folly.”
Mike Maddren, Chadds Ford Township solicitor was also Murphy’s law partner.
“I can’t imagine anyone loving Frank more than I did, but I know that whatever loss I am feeling his family is suffering exponentially worse,” Maddren said. “He was the smartest person I have ever met. I have had the pleasure of working with a lot of incredibly talented public servants, but Frank’s skill and sense of community have been unparalleled among them. He was a stabilizing voice of reason in each and every situation he entered, and I hope that the Chadds Ford and Delaware County communities who knew and loved Frank will band together to appreciate his legacy.”
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
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It has been a great honor and privilege to call Frank a friend for over a decade since we first met. There are no words in dictionaries of the languages I know that can effectively describe Frank. Frank was a unique person – a person committed to helping others, a modest person who quietly made other people’s lives better in multiple ways. Frank had multiple areas of expertise, including but limited to: engineering, law, being elected for public office, serving as public official and much more. Above all he was a selfness, loyal and caring friend. Most importantly, he was a superb family person. I have seen first hand his love for his family, friends and the community. He was a lot more than what I described. I feel it deep in my heart but I cannot express my feelings because there are no words in our vocabulary to describe a monumental person like Frank Murphy. I miss you my friend! I miss our conversations or debates and discussions. You are a role model to many, including me. Rest in Peace!