Leo Murphy is remembered for his love of family, photography and the sun

Hundreds of mourners, genuine in their outpouring of grief for much-loved local photographer Leo Murphy, came together to join his heartbroken family to say a poignant farewell to the 72-year-old, who died whilst on holiday in Majorca, Spain, on Saturday, April 12.

A native of the Cork Road, Leo resided with his beloved wife Linda in Ballygunner, where the happy couple had two children, Gina and David, who both spoke with immense pride at the funeral Mass of their father, which was held at St. Mary’s Church, Ballygunner on Sunday last, April 27.

Leo’s funeral Mass was concelebrated by chief celebrant Fr. Gerry Chestnutt PP, Sacred Heart and Fr. Liam Power PP, St. Joseph’s and Benildus, and St. Mary’s, where mourners heard of his love for family, photography, the sun, vino and afternoon pints.

Symbols representing Leo’s love of framing, photography and the good weather were brought to the altar for his requiem mass with a frame, his camera, and his sandals amongst the items placed on a table beside his wicker coffin.

There was widespread shock amongst locals when news filtered through that Leo had taken ill whilst away, and after a battle to the end, he returned to his native Waterford for a final goodbye that captured the many years of memories that he left behind.

In his homily, Fr. Chestnutt said that “this is a day of immense sadness for the people of Waterford,” and that Leo “lived a great life.

“He lived as he loved for 72 years. The congregation here today is a highlight of the outpouring of love and support that you have from this community. When we all heard the news that Leo had died so unexpectedly, disbelief is the word that I would use.

“It’s so tragic, and I hope that you all find consolation from the support that so many people across our city and county offer to you all. He was a man who was so well respected, and he touched the lives of so many down through the years.” 

His daughter, Gina, spoke of how her dad wouldn’t like to be “front and centre”, but “you’re going to be for the next ten minutes.

“Leo Aidan Murphy, I think you will agree, what a total legend. He had a few key loves in his life. That was his family, his friends, his framing, his photography, and you could probably throw in a love for a few Vinos or afternoon pints as well.

“His family was the most important and he was most proud of. They brought him great joy as the second youngest boy, where he was doted on by his sisters and brothers, Miriam, Jean, Jerry, Benny, Angela, Denise, and Yvonne.” 

Gina added: “He became fully besotted when he met and went on to marry the love of his life, our mam Linda. He packed a lot into life during his 72 years, which he travelled the world. He moved to London after spending time in the US, where he worked and trained with some of the UK’s top photographers.

“He returned home to establish one of Waterford’s most prominent photography businesses with Mam, and they drove that business together. He loved the sun, and I’m pretty sure he wore his favourite shorts and sandals in the freezing cold when I came home from Sydney in November.

“He spent his life capturing the happiest moments in so many people's lives, and when you look at those photographs, please remember him. He was so proud of where David and I are at the stage of our careers, and he was so proud of what we had accomplished, but that was down to him and our mam.” 

Gina concluded by thanking all those who tried to help Leo after he took ill and spoke about how he spent his final day on this earth with his wife in the sun and on the beach before thanking Brian in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Erik Falconer, undertaker, and Colin, from the Kevin Bell Trust.

His son David spoke of his father’s love of music, his bravery and his role as a gentleman: “He was a phenomenal role model for me as a man. The way he treated everyone from every background, creed or colour. He loved my mam so much, and he was a quintessential gentleman.

“He was such a cool man, both in fashion and the way that he carried himself. He loved the sun, a beer in the back after work, reading the paper and relaxing. He left behind some great memories of playing golf, fishing on the flat rocks and Neil Young and Brian Ferry concerts.

“On the night he died, I lost my best friend in the world. The most genuine, humble and artistic gentleman. The man who raised me and gave me everything. The coolest man I've ever known and my hero.”

A private funeral cremation service was celebrated for Leo. To his family and friends, we offer our deepest and sincerest sympathies on their sad loss. May Leo rest in peace.

Day of immense sadness. Life that he lived and loved within his 72 years..