Edwin F. Murtha

Livingstonville—Edwin F. Murtha, died on September 5, 2018, at Roberts Health Centre in North Kingstown, RI., after 94 amazing years of life.

He was born on June 19, 1924, in Brooklyn, NY to William Francis Murtha and Frances Kassin Murtha. Edwin began driving at a young age in the family business, Murtha Trucking. After he served in the Army in WWII, Edwin moved with his parents to a dairy farm in Pine Grove (Town of Broome). He married Joan Kliment and settled in the hamlet of Livingstonville. Edwin ran the farm for over 15 years, at times supporting his family by also driving an oil truck or snow plow. Starting in 1965, he worked full-time as a fork-lift driver for Consolidated Diesel in Schenectady, NY until retiring. And still loving to drive, Ed and Joan traveled across the country, visiting 47 states in their RV. Ed was a Town of Broome volunteer fireman for over 50 years and was recognized as Fireman of the Year in 2008.  Remembered as patient and dependable, with quiet strength and inner bliss, he enjoyed the company of others and loved playing cards and games. He lived most recently in a long-term care facility in Rhode Island, where he won-over his caregivers with songs and humor. 

Edwin was predeceased by his wife Joan Kliment Murtha on September 30, 2017.

His loving family includes his sons: Robert A. Murtha and his wife Selene Santucci of Pullman, WA, Paul E. Murtha and his wife Diedra (Molyneaux) Murtha of Ocala, FL and John (Jack) M. Murtha of Clarksville, TN; his daughter: Susanne Murtha and spouse Tom Connelly Akstens of East Greenwich, RI. He will also be loved and remembered forever by his granddaughters: Shannon Murtha of Clarksville, TN and Michelle (Murtha) Swift, her husband Adam Swift and their daughters Alexa and Evelyn of Richmond, VA.

A memorial service, with Fire Dept. and Military Honors will be held at 2pm on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River Street, Middleburgh, with Rev. Bert Mayne officiating.  All are invited to visit with Ed’s family from 1pm-2pm, prior to the service.  Interment will be held privately in Livingstonville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Town of Broome Volunteer Fire Department, 453 State Route 145, Middleburgh, NY 12122 or to Hope Hospice Rhode Island, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904

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