ILION - Mr. Edward Paul Murphy, age 76, of Ilion, NY, passed away on Saturday evening September 20, 2014 at Valley Health Services in Herkimer. Surrounded with the love and support of his family, Ed entered peacefully into the Lord's arms after a long and courageous battle with cancer. The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Atul Butala and the entire staff of Valley Health Services for their excellent care and compassion shown to Ed during his stay. Also, a very warm and sincere thank you to the many friends, neighbors and relatives who have reached out and showed a tremendous amount of support during this very difficult time. Edward was born in Mohawk on April 13, 1938 to parents Caroline (Rathbun) Murphy and John Murphy. Ed was a proud athlete and graduated with Mohawk Central School 'Class of 1956.' He entered into the United States Army in 1960 and had served overseas in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1962. On May 25th, 1968, Ed married the love of his life, Nancy Ligoski at St. Joseph's Church in Herkimer with Rev. Vincent A. Nowak officiating. Their 46 years together were filled with devotion, laughter, unconditional love, and countless memories. Ed worked very hard throughout his career achieving employment with Univac for 17 years and then the Herkimer County Office building for 28 years, retiring in 2003. He was a member of the Church of Annunciation, Ilion, as well as the Herkimer Elk's Lodge BPOE #1439 and the Mohawk American Legion Crowley Barnum Post #25. Ed, fondly known as "Murph," was a man of faith and compassion. His kind, gentle spirit and selfless nature inspired all of those whom he touched. He was a loyal husband, devoted father, loving grandfather, and the best uncle, cousin and friend that one could ever hope to have. His sense of humor and his generosity are irreplaceable. Even though the memories are endless, his absence will be immense. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Nancy; his children: Anne Lynn Murphy - Scalise and her husband Gino of Ilion, and Daniel Edward Murphy of Ilion; grandchildren: Brynna Caroline Scalise, Vincenzo Edward Scalise, and Kaydence Marie Murphy; a brother - in - law: Dr. Arthur M. Ligoske and wife Lois of Alexandria, Virginia; feline companions, Sadie and Lucy; along with many nieces, nephews, great and great - great nieces and nephews each and every one of which he had a special bond with and dearly loved. His predeceased relatives are inclusive to his parents, his siblings brothers and their wives Francis (Mary), Fred (Harriet), Michael (Ann), John (Shirley), and Robert (Julia), sisters and their husbands Margaret Thomes (Howard), Anne McGraw (Arthur), and Helen White (Charles "Jim"), and brothers - in - law: Donald and Richard Ligoski. His funeral arrangements have been planned under the direction of The Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road (Town of Frankfort) Ilion, NY. Harry J. & Kevin E. Enea, Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the funeral home on Wednesday September 24, 2014 from 4 until 7 PM. The Herkimer Elk's Lodge members will perform their ritualistic service at the funeral home on Wednesday September 24, 2014 at 6 PM. The members of the Mohawk American Legion are asked to gather at the funeral home at 6:30 PM for their service. A Funeral Mass in Edward's memory will be offered on Thursday September 25, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the Church of Annunciation, West Street in Ilion. The Rev. Paul Catena, Pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial with military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer. Those wishing to remember Ed in a special way are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, 100 Lomond Court, Utica, NY 13502; the Valley Health Services, 690 West German Street Herkimer, NY 13350 or the Church of Annunciation Parish at 109 West Street Ilion, NY 13357. Envelopes will be available at the Enea Family Funeral Home for these purposes. To leave an online note of sympathy please visit www.eneafamily.com where a memorial page has been established.