Stephen L. Murphy

Stephen “Steve” Leroy Murphy, 75, passed away on March 8, 2025. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 1, 1949. He was a graduate of Satellite Beach High School and the University of South Florida.

Steve was an avid surfer who spent most of his twenties traveling throughout Central and South America in search of the “Endless Summer” and perfect waves. It was during those travels that he met his future and loving wife of 45 years in Lima, Peru. He and his wife, Soledad, moved to Tampa where Steve finished his civil engineering studies at USF. From there they moved to Jacksonville where Steve began what would become a 23-year career as an engineer for the Jacksonville Electric Authority. He retired in 2005 and enjoyed many of his retirement years traveling through Central and South America, picking up where he left off in the mid-1980s.

Close friends will always remember Steve for his humble and mild manner. He was quiet but also loved meeting new people and learning about their life stories, something he acquired in his many years of travel. Steve loved nature and animals and one of his favorite places to spend time was Hanna Park in Mayport Beach.

He is survived by his wife, Soledad “Sole”; son, James (Catherine); grandchildren, Virginia Grace Murphy, Luke William Murphy, Emma Clare Murphy, Lucy Bernadette Murphy, John Paul Francis Murphy and one on the way; sister, Margaret; brother, Greg.

Steve was predeceased by his parents, James and Alice; brothers, Chris and John. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 21 at 12:00 PM at Holy Family Catholic Church. A reception will follow at the Parish Life Center at Holy Family. Arrangements are being handled by Quinn Shalz Funeral Home, 3600 3rd St S, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.