Orlando Stephen "Steve" Murphy, Jr.

Orlando Stephen “Steve” Murphy, Jr.

May 18, 1943 – August 18, 2026

Orlando Stephen Murphy, Jr., age 83, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026, at Audubon Retirement Village on Henry Clay Avenue in New Orleans. He was born at Mercy Hospital on Annunciation St. in New Orleans on May, 18, 1943, to the late Pearl Lawrence Murphy and Orlando Stephen Murphy, Sr. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Kathleen McCoy Murphy, his cherished daughters and sons-in-law, Maureen Genois (Charles), Kelly Almerico (John), his adored grandchildren, Andrew Genois (Elizabeth), Alexander Genois, Jack, Brady, Charlotte Almerico and his great-granddaughter, Margaret Genois. Also survived by his brother, Timothy Murphy (Lisa), sisters-in-law, Karen Spellman, Patti Massett (Raymond), nephews Brad Murphy (Amy), Brian Spellman (Alyssa), and nieces Ashley Murphy and Melissa Bradshaw (Beau). He is preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Orlando, his brother, Larry, and his brother-in law, Elmo Spellman.

Steve was born in New Orleans and raised in Gretna surrounded by his loving grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, numerous cousins and family friends. His parents lived above their neighborhood grocery store on Derbigny Street in Gretna which was started by his maternal grandparents. It was during those early years that he developed a true passion for connecting with people. He attended Gretna #2 Elementary School and his beloved St. Aloysius High School on Esplanade Avenue where he graduated in 1961. While at St. Aloysius, he played football and made lifelong friendships that he enjoyed until his final days. He was a diehard Crusader alumnus who throughout his years attended as many functions and sporting events as possible. Steve graduated from Louisiana State University in 1966 with a degree in political science. He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. He and Kathleen married in 1969 at St. Anthony of Padua Church and lived in Lakeview until 1974 when they moved their young family to Terrytown where they have resided for the past 52 years.

Steve began a career as a social worker for the State of Louisiana’s Welfare Department. He went on to become a life insurance agent with Sun Life of Canada and later a benefits consultant for the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court. His love of people, politics, sports, Mardi Gras, food and the dedication he had to his Catholic faith inspired him to become involved in many organizations throughout his life. He was a member of the Terrytown Civic Association, The Krewe of Grela, a board member of Victims and Citizens Against Crime, The Gretna Food Bank, Brother Martin’s Alumni Association and the St. Anthony of Gretna Parish Council while also volunteering for many church events including parish fairs. While staying busy, the absolute light of his life were his grandchildren. He never missed an event for them and was continuously encouraging and listening to them, giving loving advice and guidance and always singing their praises. He will forever be missed by his loving family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 924 Monroe Street, Gretna, La., on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The funeral Mass will begin at noon. Interment will follow in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Gretna, La. Arrangements were handled by Mothe Funeral Home.

The family would also like to thank the staff members at Ochsner Westbank, Ochsner Skilled Nursing, ACG Hospice, Audubon Retirement Village and Notre Dame Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a gift to St. Anthony Church in Gretna and The St. Aloysius Century Foundation in support of Brother Martin High School. Memorial gifts can be made online at https://www.brothermartin.com/giving/memorials/ or mailed to:

Brother Martin Advancement Office

4401 Elysian Fields Avenue

New Orleans, LA 70122