Joe was born in Eccles (Manchester), England in 1935 to Joseph and Mary Murphy (née Bronson), as the youngest of three children. At 21 he toured America and lived for a time in Canada where he worked in several cities including Sault Saint Marie and London. He returned to England where he married and had three sons; Jason, Spencer, and Andrew. The family emigrated to Montreal, Canada in 1968 and moved to Toronto in 1969. He worked as a draughtsman for Ontario Hydro for 24 years, planning electric control systems for nuclear reactors and becoming head of his department before retiring.
Besides his sons, he leaves to mourn his partner Hazel Reid of thirty years and her sons; David Hartwick (Mary), and Dennis Hartwick (Karen), and grandchildren; Calvin, Katie, Breanna, and Travis. He also leaves several nieces, nephews, and other relatives in Canada, the US, and England. He is predeceased by his son Spencer, his brother Jack and his sister Lillian (Baxendale), and their parents.
Joe's 40 year love of lawn bowling saw him belong to three clubs; Port Credit LBC, Brampton LBC, and Heritage Greens in Kitchener, as well as bowling on greens around the world wherever he travelled.
The family will be holding a private service and donations may be made to a charity of your choice as expressions of sympathy.
Messages and condolences may be left at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237. Please visit Joe's obituary notice on Facebook.