Hartford Foundation Receives Second Largest Gift in History

In 1895, when Daniel E. Murphy sailed from Ireland to Boston at age 16 with only one dollar  in his pocket, he had no idea the impact he and his descendents would have on the manufacturing world in the United States – and the quality of life here in Greater Hartford.  He could not have dreamed that he would create a tradition of family philanthropy that would span generations.

John Davis Murphy, grandson of Daniel Murphy, bequeathed a substantial gift to the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, the first $14 million of which was received this month.  This gift, representing the second largest in the Foundation’s 82-year history, will be added to the fund that he established at the Foundation with his second wife, Edith Wootton Murphy, in 1999.  John passed away on April 9 at the age of 95, and Edie died on March 6 at age 97.

John’s daughter, Linda Murphy Richardson, said that her father was a great believer in community service.  “For as long as I can remember, he was involved in a long list of charities in the Hartford area,” said Linda.

“This region owes a great debt of gratitude to John and Edie Murphy for their generosity and their commitment to helping this community thrive,” said Linda J. Kelly, president of the Hartford Foundation.  “They gave of their time and their resources during their lifetimes and, through their fund at the Foundation, their generosity will continue forever.”

A resident of West Hartford, John Murphy spent his entire business career at Wiremold, an electrical products manufacturer, which was purchased by his grandfather, Daniel, for $10,000 in 1900 and run by his father, D. Hayes Murphy.  John worked in every department at Wiremold, becoming president and chief executive officer in 1952.  He retired as chief executive in 1979 and continued as chairman of the board until 1991.

John and Edie, who married in 1973, were extremely active in the community.  John served in volunteer leadership roles for the Salvation Army of Greater Hartford, Boys and Girls Club of Hartford, Junior Achievement of Greater Hartford, Hartford Hospital, and YMCA.

A few years ago, Edie commented on why she and John were so philanthropic.  “We love this community we’ve lived in for many years and we take great joy in sharing our good fortune with our neighbors,” she said.  “We feel good that, with the Foundation’s help, we’ll continue to do this long after we’re gone.”

About the Hartford Foundation:
For over 80 years, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has built successful partnerships with donors and nonprofits to improve the quality of life for residents of the 29-town Greater Hartford region.  The Foundation receives gifts from thousands of generous individuals and families, and last year, awarded grants of more than $24 million to a broad range of area nonprofit organizations.  For more information about the Foundation, visit www.hfpg.org or call 548-1888.