Obituary of Matthew J. Murphy, III

Former Niagara County Judge Matthew J. Murphy III, who was also the longest-serving District Attorney in Niagara County history, died Monday after a short illness.  He was 70 years old.

During his tenure as D.A., Murphy developed a domestic violence program that became a model for the state. After serving four terms as the county’s chief prosecutor, he was elected as a judge for Niagara County Court in the Eighth Judicial District of New York in 2008 and re-elected in 2017.

Murphy previously served seven years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney with the United States Department of Justice in the Western District of New York.  He rose through the ranks eventually becoming Chief Attorney for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force in 1983.

Murphy earned a B.A. from St. John Fisher College in 1974.  In 1977, he earned a J.D. from Albany Law School.

Murphy went into private practice at Harris and Southard in Lockport.  After his time with the Department of Justice, he returned to private practice with Miskell and Moxham in Lockport, until his election as D.A.

A long-time resident of Lockport, Murphy attended DeSales Catholic High School, where he met Gail Kolber, his wife of 48-years.  They have three children: Kerry (Chris Byrnes), Matthew IV (Kendra) and Andrew (Kate).  He is also survived by four grandchildren, Kaelyn Byrnes, Will Byrnes, James Murphy, and Paige Murphy.

Matt was considered the patriarch of his family of Murphys.  He is survived by his sisters Jean, Barbara (John DeSimone) and Diane (T.J. Revelas) and his brothers John (Mary), and Patrick (Donna). He is predeceased by his parents, Matthew Jr. and Lucille, and a sister, Marilyn and brothers Mark and Paul.

An avid reader, Murphy was a member of the James Joyce Book Club in Buffalo.  He loved music and played bass for the band “The Affordables.”  Murphy completed the 1986 Buffalo-Niagara Falls International Marathon.  He enjoyed travelling, especially the annual “Murphy Family Baseball Trip” to various major league ballparks.  He loved vacations with family in recent years with the highlight being a visit to the gift shop with his grandkids.

His memberships included the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Old Fort Niagara, Eastern Niagara United Way, and the Knights of Columbus.  He was a founding member of the Niagara County Coalition of RACE (Racial Acceptance and Cultural Equality).

Relatives and friends may call Thursday, Oct. 13^th and Friday, Oct. 14^th from 3-7 PM in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Oct. 15^th at 10 AM in All Saints Parish, 76 Church St., Lockport.  Visit pruddenandkandt.com.