Murlan Jeremiah "Jerry" Murphy, Senior was an American Businessman who ran several chemical-related companies in Cleveland, Ohio.
Background
Murphy was born on June 27, 1918, in Cleveland Heights, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. He was named after his father, whose unusual first name was the combination of his parents" (Jerry"s grandparent"s) surnames of Murphy and Whelan, while his middle name came from grandfather Jeremiah T. Murphy.
Education
He graduated from Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland in 1936. He later graduated from what is now known as Case Institute of Technology bachelor"s degree in chemical engineering.
Career
Chief among the companies was Murphy-Phoenix Company, makers of Murphy Oil Soap, which was later sold to Colgate-Palmolive. He was a brother in the Sigma Nu Fraternity. Murphy Oil Soap was first marketed in 1910 (approx) by Mr.
Murphy"s father, who was also Murlan J. Murphy and was president of the Murphy-Phoenix Company, which was founded in 1890 by Mr.
Murphy"s grandfather, Jeremiah T. The original business of Murphy-Phoenix was Industrial Specialty Chemicals, especially lubricants. In 1991, the Murphy-Phoenix Company was acquired by Colgate Palmolive Company.
Subsequent to this transaction, two businesses were formed to continue the industrial chemical product lines. These are JTM Products, Solon, Ohio, and CheMasters, Madison, Ohio.
Mr. Murphy has been a generous supporter of many not for profit institutions, primarily in the Cleveland, Ohio area.
Foremost among these is his alma mater, Saint Ignatius High School, where he donated a gymnasium, a chapel, and a science building, and added to the endowment. At age 90, Murphy died on April 18, 2009 at Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio.
Membership
Both companies are owned by members of the Murphy family.