Assembly Resolution No. 51

BY: M. of A. Norris

MOURNING the death of Matthew J. Murphy III,
distinguished Judge, and devoted District Attorney

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Judge Matthew J. Murphy III of Lockport, New York, died on
Monday, October 10, 2022, at the age of 70; and

WHEREAS, Judge Matthew J. Murphy III distinguished himself in his
profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, A long-time resident of Lockport, Matthew J. Murphy
attended DeSales Catholic High School, where he met Gail Kolber, his
cherished wife of 48 years; and

WHEREAS, After having earned a B.A. from St. John Fisher College in
1974, Matthew J. Murphy III went on to receive his J.D. from Albany Law
School in 1977; and

WHEREAS, Matthew J. Murphy III 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; and

WHEREAS, Matthew J. Murphy III gained experience in private practice
at Harris and Southard in Lockport, New York; after spending some time
with the Department of Justice, he returned to private practice with
Miskell and Moxham in Lockport, until his election as District Attorney;
and

WHEREAS, During his tenure as District Attorney, Matthew J. Murphy
III developed a renowned 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; and

WHEREAS, Before he was elected to the Niagara County Court bench in
2007, he had been the longest-serving district attorney in the County's
history; and

WHEREAS, Judge Matthew J. Murphy III's commitment to excellence, and
his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

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


WHEREAS, Hobbies of Judge Matthew J. Murphy III included reading and
attending the James Joyce Book Club in Buffalo, playing bass for the
band "The Affordables," travelling, exploring various major league
baseball parks, and spending quality time with his family; and

WHEREAS, Following in the footsteps of his father, Matthew J. Murphy
Jr., who served nine terms in the State Assembly and was credited with
creating the "I Love NY" tourism campaign, Matthew J. Murphy III also
found great success and fulfillment in public service, always doing what
is morally right for the people in his community and State; and

WHEREAS, Judge Matthew J. Murphy III is survived by his sisters,
Jean, Barbara (John DeSimone) and Diane (T.J. Revelas); brothers, John
(Mary) and Patrick (Donna); children, Kerry (Chris Byrnes), Matthew IV
(Kendra) and Andrew (Kate), and four grandchildren, Kaelyn Byrnes, Will
Byrnes, James Murphy, and Paige Murphy; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Judge Matthew J. Murphy III leaves behind a legacy which
will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting
memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Matthew J. Murphy III, distinguished Judge, and
devoted District Attorney; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Judge Matthew J. Murphy III.