Benjamin “Ben” Joseph Murphy, 84, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Ben was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1942 to the late Dennis and Catherine Murphy. At the age of 18, he immigrated to the United States in search of opportunity and proudly served his adopted country in the United States Army.

He later settled in Queens, New York, where he met the love of his life, Esther (née O’Callaghan). The two were married for 58 wonderful years and built a beautiful life together, raising their two children, Kathryn and Kevin. In 2006, Ben and Esther relocated to Mooresville, N.C., where they enjoyed their retirement surrounded by family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Murphy, and brother in law, Arthur O’Callaghan.

Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted wife, Esther Murphy; his daughter, Kathryn Lavery and her husband Francis; his son, Kevin Murphy and his wife Donna; his beloved sister, Margaret; his brother Tydge and wife Mary; sister-in-law, Ellen and husband Norman Steele (all in Ireland) and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins here and abroad.

Ben was a proud and loving grandfather to Danny, Kelli, Frankie, Sean, Dylan, and Fiona, and an adored great-grandfather to Cora and Ella.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home in Mooresville.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 13, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Mooresville. Inurnment will follow at Glenwood Memorial Park Columbarium with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ben’s memory may be made to Iredell County Veterans Services or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

“May he rest in the gentle arms of the Lord, reunited with those who went before him.”

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville is proudly serving the Murphy family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.