Biography.guide
Home › People › Politician › John M. Murphy
Portrait of John M. Murphy

John M. Murphy

1926 – 2015

American politician

Don't just read it — keep itBiographies to ownE-book · Audio · Video From $7 →

About John M. Murphy

Lived 1926 – 2015 (aged 88). John M. Murphy was an American politician.

John Michael Murphy (August 3, 1926 – May 25, 2015) was a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 16th (1963–1973) and 17th (1973–1981) districts. He was convicted of taking bribes in the 1980 Abscam scandal. He is the last Democrat to represent Staten Island in the House of Representatives for more than one term.

Life and career Murphy was born in Staten Island, New York City, New York, the son of Florence and Frank Murphy. He attended La Salle Military Academy, Amherst College, and the United States Military Academy at West Point. Murphy was acquitted of bribery, but found guilty on lesser charges, and served 18 months in prison.

During his time in Congress he chaired committees dealing with maritime and oceanic matters.

Family His son, Mark Murphy, is a real-estate developer who worked as an aide to Bill de Blasio during his tenure as New York City Public Advocate. On January 19, 2012, Mark Murphy announced he would seek election to the Congressional seat his father once held. On November 6, Murphy lost the election to incumbent Republican Michael Grimm, 46.2% – 52.8%.

Death Murphy died the age of 88 on May 25, 2015, at Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island, NY of complications from a heart attack.

Biography shop

Don’t just read it —
keep it.

Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.

  • E-book
  • Audio
  • Video
Browse the shop — from $7

Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free

Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Education
Amherst College, United States Military Academy, La Salle Military Academy
Positions held
United States representative
Awards
Bronze Star Medal
Also known as
John Michael Murphy, John Murphy

People in John M. Murphy's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John M. Murphy's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John M. Murphy?

American politician (1926–2015)

When was John M. Murphy born?

John M. Murphy was born on 3 August 1926 in Staten Island.

When did John M. Murphy die?

John M. Murphy died on 25 May 2015 in New York City.

What was John M. Murphy's occupation?

John M. Murphy was a politician.

What nationality was John M. Murphy?

John M. Murphy was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John M. Murphy

· Wikidata: Q3562259

· DBpedia: John M. Murphy (New York politician)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John M. Murphy. https://biography.guide/john-m-murphy/

MLA: "John M. Murphy." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-m-murphy/.

Chicago: "John M. Murphy." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-m-murphy/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

Page generated 2026-09-27 04:58 UTC