Gerald F. Murphy, 80, known as Jerry or “Murf” to some, passed away May 22, 2025, in Naples, Florida. Originally from Middletown, Jerry spent the majority of his life in the Two River area before moving to Naples in 2009 with his beloved wife, Marie, who predeceased him in 2012.
Jerry was proud to be part of the first graduating class of Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft in 1963. He started his working life as a bank teller and went on to have a successful career in commercial banking, beginning with the Keansburg Middletown National Bank.
He participated in the opening of the Shrewsbury State Bank, serving as senior vice president, treasurer and secretary. He went on to serve as the senior vice president of the V.S. Hovnanian Group and president of Hovnanian Realty.
Jerry was an organizing founder of Tinton Falls State Bank, having served as chairman and director prior to its sale to Commerce Bank. He also served as vice chairman and director of Commerce Bank Shore until its merger with TD Bank.
Jerry founded GFM Realty Group, which later became Murphy Realty Preferred Homes, in 1993. A true family business, he worked alongside his wife, children and many friends, growing the firm to become one of the Top 10 real estate companies in Monmouth County. In 2006, the company was acquired by Coldwell Banker.
At the time of his death, Jerry served as managing broker for Downing-Frye Realty in Bonita Springs, Florida. From 2009 to 2014, Jerry was the managing broker and district manager for Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in Naples. He was a frequent real estate trainer and speaker and continued to work up until the last week of his life.
Long active in community endeavors, Jerry was a past president of the Little Silver Borough Council and a member of the board of adjustment, as well as serving as chairman of the borough’s committee on affordable housing. He was a former chairman of the Monmouth County Red Cross and past president of the Shrewsbury Business and Professional Association and a recipient of their Businessman of the Year Award, as well as the United States Jaycees’ Outstanding Man of the Year Award. He also previously served as a trustee on the CBA Board of Directors.
While Jerry was proud of his career accomplishments and was affectionately known as a workaholic, he always made time for his family, whether it was coaching their sports teams or taking them for a “family run” at the CBA track. One great memory that stands out is when Jerry and Marie took all eight of their children to Disney World in Orlando (by train!).
Jerry was a fastidious dresser. He loved a good suit and was known as an expert ironer, a skill he learned as a drill sergeant in the Army Reserves.
He is survived by his partner of 11 years, Izaura Stameshkin; his children Cheryl and Ray Peterson, Kelly and Brian Volker, Dan and Elizabeth Mancuso, Shannon and Mark Lonergan, Peter Mancuso, Kevin and Alicia Murphy, Karen Mancuso and Caroline McAuliffe, and Brian and Robin Murphy; his grandchildren, Kristen and Brian Jammel, Will and Meghan Volker, Trey and Renee Peterson, Anthony Mancuso, Michael Volker, Isabella Mancuso and Sean Patterson, Jack Volker, Allison Peterson, Maggie Volker, Thomas, Amy, Katie and Molly Lonergan, Sara and Jack McMahon, Patrick, Shamus Murphy, Caitlin and Megan Murphy, and Salvatore McAuliffe; and his great-grandchildren, Jack and Ryan Jammel. He is also survived by his niece Diane Murphy and sister-in-law Nancy Zembruski. Jerry was predeceased by his wife Marie, his parents Albert and Marion Murphy, and his brother Dennis Murphy.
Jerry will be put to rest in a private burial ceremony at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Middletown. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank.
The article originally appeared in the June 12 – 18, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
