Ralph Oliver Murphy Jr.

Ralph Oliver Murphy Jr. passed away Nov. 29 at his home on the island of Maui, Hawaii.

He was born Tuesday, Sept. 12, 1922, in Pittsburgh, to Ralph Oliver Murphy Sr. and Beatrice Murphy of Allison Park.  

Ralph attended the University of Pittsburgh where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1944.

He formed Allison Engineering with his father in the late 1940s where they converted war surplus machinery into mining equipment to be used by local mining companies. Within a few years they started mining coal themselves in Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Ralph became the primary owner of the company after the passing of his father in 1965. He sold the company in the 1970s.

He retired to Lake Tahoe, Nev., and Maui, Hawaii, where he navigated the waters in his Hobie Cat and explored the ocean floor diving the reefs around Maui. He enjoyed sailing, scuba diving, western movies, putting with one hand, ice cream, specifically vanilla with caramel sauce, and all things mechanical.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Ferney Murphy; his son, Ralph Oliver Murphy III; his sisters, Louis Rodgers, Madeline Ryan and Beatrice Murphy; and his parents, R.O. Murphy Sr. and Beatrice Murphy.

He leaves behind his children, Nancy Gilbert, Susie Keyes and Dave Murphy; his grandchildren George Keyes, Thomas Cheney, Holly Murphy, Abbie Keyes, Corey Murphy, Charlie Keyes, Will Gilbert, Bonnie Keyes and Ann Gilbert; and five great-grandchildren.

He was a humble and kind man who will be missed.

MURPHY — Friends of Ralph Oliver Murphy Jr., who died Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.Graveside services will follow at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday at the Northside Cemetery in Butler. The Rev. Jeff Harris will officiate.For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.