Established in 2002 as a way to commemorate the life of our hero Raymond Murphy, the fund awards multiple scholarships yearly as an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) organization.
Raymond Murphy was born December 16, 1954 to Eileen and Edward Murphy in the Yorkville section of Manhattan. Soon after Raymond was born the family moved to the Castle Hill section of the Bronx where the family of seven remained for many years. Here Ray met his wife Linda and they married on November 25, 1978. Throughout his formative years Ray showed promise as a quick learner who worked well with his hands. Firefighting almost seemed a natural fit so he took the required tests and did well. On January 9, 1982, Ray was appointed to the New York City Fire Department. Raymond Jr. was born in 1983 and Sean followed in 1987.
Ray also worked as a general contractor to provide his children with the best education possible. Because of his sacrifices both his children attended St. Frances de Chantal grammar school in the Bronx. Their successes continued as Raymond attended high school at Iona Preparatory in New Rochelle and Sean at Archbishop Stepinac in White Plains.
In 1999 Ray was promoted to Lieutenant. As a newly minted Lieutenant Ray worked all over the city but soon found a home on 67th street in Manhattan's Upper East Side. Although a far cry from his years as a fireman in the South Bronx, Ray thrived and the members of Engine 39 and Ladder 16 received him warmly. Ray was assigned to Ladder 16 for only a short time before the tragedy of September 11 struck. He was scheduled to begin his twenty-four hour tour that morning. He entered quarters to find that Ladder 16 had already responded to the World Trade Center. Grabbing their bunker gear, tools, and helmets, Ray, with Firefighters Rich Ritazzi and Rob Curatolo, made their way downtown in a police car, as the 19th Precinct sits adjacent to Engine 39 and Ladder 16. Upon arriving they rescued a survivor from the collapse of the South Tower. Ray had Rich Ritazzi escort the injured to an ambulance, as he and Curatolo continued to look for more survivors. Minutes later the North Tower collapsed and tragically both Ray and Rob were killed. Moments before the collapse Rich had the presence of mind to photograph Ray and Rob as they marched courageously through the wreckage of the South Tower, rightfully immortalizing them and every other firefighter as heroes.
We all knew that Ray’s family, friends and fellow firefighters would come together to stand by Linda and the boys following his tragic death of September 11, 2001, just as he would have for others. What we didn’t expect was the overwhelming show of love, compassion and support from all over the country from complete strangers. Letters, cards, tapestries and checks, sent with deep feelings of sorrow and sympathy that could be felt through the words. We were deeply moved and very grateful.
Linda and the boys wanted to give something back in Ray’s name that would have a simple and yet meaningful effect. Ray had always insisted that the boys do their best when it came to school. Ray, Jr. and Sean’s efforts were always more important to Ray than the results, but oh how Ray loved seeing those results in the form of the good grades they brought home!
Ray felt the kids should have the opportunity to go to the best schools available, where the educators would help to reinforce the values that he and Linda instilled at home. Ray wanted the best for his kids and was aware of the economic challenge that came with it. There was no debate; it was something that Ray and Linda knew was right. With that in mind, Linda set up a series of scholarships as a way of keeping Ray’s memory alive, while at the same time providing an opportunity for some very deserving people.
In establishing the 6 scholarships, Linda hoped that in addition to the financial benefit, each student would take a piece of Ray’s wonderful personality with them as they continued on life’s journey. No one could ask for a better Guardian Angel.
In time, grief began to subside, Ray’s friends, wanting to do something, anything, to keep Ray’s memory alive, suggested a golf outing as a way to raise funds for the scholarships. A committee was formed and the Lt. Raymond E. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Fund was born.
