Benjamin Patrick Murphy
May 24, 2001 - June 15, 2026
To say that we are suffering an unimaginable loss doesn’t even begin to capture what has occurred; what we are going through and the space in which we are now forced to exist. The pain we are experiencing is a greater burden than any human being should endure.
Benjamin Patrick Murphy (b. May 24th, 2001), beloved son of Sheryl L. (Daer) Murphy and Mark J. Murphy passed away on June 15th, 2026. Ben was as kind-hearted and free-spirited a person as you could ever hope to know and love. He didn’t let others tell him a right and wrong way to think and feel – he let his heart and his mind guide him in such matters.
Ben was an incredibly skilled carpenter and welder. He was an avid reader. He practiced Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts. He loved to travel and experience new places and cultures. He loved animals, and when he was with them, it was impossible to ignore that a special bond was shared on both sides.
More than anything, Ben was an amazing son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He closely valued his family and friendships and welcomed all of the special moments and adventures those relationships fostered. He was incredibly loving and incredibly loved. His time here with us was far too short, but his memory and our love for him will forever endure.
A commemoration for Ben will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to contribute in his honor to the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local Lodge No.13 Scholarship Fund by mail to: 2300 New Fall Road, Newportville, PA 19056, or by phone: 215-785-5536; and/or to Faithful Friends Animal Society, 165 Airport Road, New Castle, DE 19720 or online by clicking here.
Colleen Mooney
Sheryl. My heart breaks for you and your family. I am so sorry. There are no words. Thinking of you.
Lee Phillips
Ben, the problems of this always troubled world were lessened by your presence. I shall miss you always.
George Murray
Sheryl, my prayers are with you and family. May you be comforted in time by the love of your family and friends. Please know that I am here for you dear friend.
Tanuja Gupta
Deeply saddened by your loss. Deepest condolences. May God rest his soul in peace.
Paige Hundley
This is an unimaginable loss. From a young age, Ben was the sweetest boy in every room. He was unendingly kind and giving. Traveling Europe with Ben and our classmates was one of the greatest joys of my life. We spent the majority of the time on planes, trams, subways, and buses talking and laughing. These memories will always be so dear to me.
Sheryl, I wish I could say something to bring you some comfort, but there are truly no words. I am so sorry you have to experience this pain.
Alexa Daly
My deepest condolences go out to all that loved Ben… A special human indeed!
Julianna Capano
Ben touched many people’s lives and I will cherish the time we spent together. I am deeply sorry to the family and you will be in my heart and thoughts until the end of time
Jasper Anya Verucci
I knew Ben from a young age and he will always stand out in my memories. In middle school he would do the craziest things to get people to laugh and of course he would laugh the hardest. It was great growing up along side him and watching his personality evolve. The passion in his heart was felt without needing to be seen. Please know that you had a good son with a good soul and he will be deeply missed.
Lori Blevins
Sheryl, I’m truly sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim Jadick
I was just informed of Ben’s passing, and I first want to pay my respects and I am so sorry for your loss. Ben was in our weightlifting club at Newark Charter, and although I never had the pleasure of teaching him, I got to know him and had the highest respect for him. He is in my thoughts and prayers.
Ed Holden
May God rest your soul brother. Thank you for all the memories.
Hannah
I had the pleasure of being in Ben’s group on our Greece trip at NCS. He brought so much laughter and memories that I still look back on and cherish. I am so sorry for your loss!
Maria Donnelly
Sheryl and Mark,
Our family is deeply saddened to hear about your unimaginable loss. Michael and Julia have fond memories of when Ben visited Connecticut…from swimming in our pool, playing hide and seek, bike rides, tent building competitions, Tee Lane fireworks extravaganza, to playing video games, Ben was always game to have fun. Our condolences to you and your family. May the Lord give you both strength during this very difficult time. John, Maria, Michael & Julia Donnelly
Thianda
Sheryl, I am deeply and profoundly sorry for your loss.
Rohit Dharmadhikari
Ben was like a brother to me, he was always the type to help out others.
Will cherish all the memories I’ve had with him.
May god rest your soul
Rich Machamer
I am so incredibly sorry. I can’t begin to imagine the depth of your pain. There are simply no words for a loss like this, but I hope you know that you and your family are in my thoughts.
Adison DuVilla
My deepest condolences to your entire family. Ben touched so many lives with his kindness, humor, and generous heart. I will always cherish the memories and laughter he gave us starting all the way back in 4th grade. Wishing you peace, comfort, and strength in the difficult days ahead. He will never be forgotten.
Greg and Landry
When we heard about Ben’s passing, the word “sadness” got a new meaning with us. Unfortunately, living on the other side of the country stopped us from seeing Ben in person nearly as much as we would have liked. But his wonderful loving heart shined through every phone call…and even every text message. We texted him on his birthday this year, thinking we knew he was busy and a text would be less intrusive if he was going out for a fun dinner, but now, we wish we would have called to hear his uplifting voice again. We can’t help but keep looking at his last text to us, which said “Love and miss you.” It makes us tear up each time we look at it, but we also cherish it.
Despite only seeing Ben a handful of times, the love that Ben had for his family was pure… and as we see other posts from people that are sharing fond memories of Ben, it shows us that Ben is still brightening and will continue to brighten the world with all of the wonderful memories people have with him.
We will never forget him, and we’re certain that anyone who knew him well will never forget him either. The power of his joy, love, kindness and frankly, a refreshing easy-going nature will stay with all of us. It’s very hard to write this, because there are no words that can truly express the feeling of sadness, but we’re so glad that we were blessed to have Ben in our lives.
Ben was truly a wonderful cousin, and will always be in our hearts. Our prayers go out to Sheryl, Mark, and everyone who loved him dearly.
Michael Gealt
Maryjanet and I miss Ben. The times we spent together (in Newark and in Rehoboth Beach) were times we will never forget.
Tyler
I knew Ben from elementry school up to high school he was always such a good dude. We had the 2 best beards in high school. I’m deeply saddened by this and hope he is resting well wherever he is.
Katie Hughes
Sheryl,
I am so sorry for your loss of Ben. It is unimaginable how it must feel to lose a child.
I pray that he touched many lives that brought joy and happiness. Which his family & friends will carry throughout their lives.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family❤️🩹
Katie
Grace Hussar
Hi, Mrs. Murphy. I was a student of yours back in 2005-06 at West Park. When I transferred to NCS, I remember meeting Ben for the first time and thinking “oh my god! Your mom was my 1st grade teacher!” While we were never close, I remember Ben was very kind and quietly funny at school. He didn’t take any BS, and from what I observed, he had a group of friends that loved him as much as he loved them. We occasionally ran into each other on campus at UD or around Newark. Our interactions were brief but always left a smile on my face. He was a good kid, a good person, and I cannot begin to understand the weight of this loss. I hope you and your family know how much of a positive impact your son had on so many people.
Urmi
This is a horrible tragedy that you and your family have to face and I am so sorry. I knew Ben from kindergarten all through high school and we lost touch in college, but if we were to see each other post high school we would always say hello. I remember the his birthday parties from when were young to being in classes with him throughout elementary, middle, and high school and he was always a force to be reckoned with. He not only spoke his mind, but inspired everyone around him to be themselves and enjoy life. He was gone way too soon and his memory and energy will always be present in our hearts and thoughts.