History & Staff

Ever since we opened our doors we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not just a funeral home. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.

Why Us?

In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.

We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.

"The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. has been independently owned and operated since 1885. My great grandfather, William Andrew Hartzel, began his career in Zelienople with his father-in-law, Edwin Zehner, who was the owner of the Zehner Undertaking and Furniture Company. He moved to Rochester in 1885 and began his own business under the name of Hartzel Brothers Furniture and Undertaking Company. In 1918, my Grandfather, Frederick C. Murphy, who had married Amy O. Hartzel, joined the business. Their son and my father, William A.H. Murphy, joined the businesses in 1938 and I, William F. (Rick) Murphy in 1970. My son, Brian C. Murphy, is a licensed funeral director (having joined the firm in 2015). Brian is the 5th generation of our family owned funeral business. Through the years, and through 5 generations, my family has perpetuated the business with the same service-oriented philosophy."

-Rick Murphy