Robert Ward (Bob) Murphy, 90, of Grafton, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. Bob was born on July 27, 1930, in Bloom City, Wisconsin, and was the son of George Murphy and Clara Mellen Murphy. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Catherine Elaine (Sally) Murphy, who was a teacher for 29 years in Wisconsin and Ohio, having retired from Midview Local Schools in 1996. Bob is survived by one son, Todd Murphy and his wife, Lisa, of Rocky River, Ohio; one daughter, Melinda Karpathakis and her husband Mike, of Richmond, Kentucky and two granddaughters, Ella Catherine Murphy and Erin Lyn Karpathakis. He was a graduate of The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, having earned a Bachelor of Education Degree in elementary education, and The University of Wisconsin-Madison, having earned a Master of Science Degree in curriculum and instruction. Bob served as a teacher and school administrator, for 40 years, having retired as Superintendent of Oberlin City Schools, in 1991. Previously, he was an elementary and middle school teacher in Richland Center, Wisconsin; and served as a middle school teacher, principal, and assistant school superintendent in Stoughton, Wisconsin. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Stoughton, Wisconsin and later the LaPorte United Methodist Church in Elyria, Ohio. In high school, Bob was an accomplished boxer and also loved playing football. Bob instilled in both his children and grandchildren an important lifelong lesson in self-esteem: "Every day, I want you to look in the mirror and say to yourself: This is me, I love what I see." Bob was adored by his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved to laugh, joke, and travel with family. Per Bob's wishes, private services will be arranged by Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home.

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