Remembering John Murphy

(This article was originally sent as a newsletter on Dec. 2, 2025)

Dear Community Forward Redlands readers,

I’m writing today with a heavy heart to share the news that John Murphy, a longtime California sportswriter and a cherished part of Community Forward Redlands’ storytelling team, passed away suddenly on Nov. 21 in Highland. He was 69.

Many of you came to know John through his work. He championed student-athletes, elevated local stories and brought heart and humor to every game he covered. Though he had a long and distinguished journalism career spanning the Bay Area, Central Coast, Oregon and the Inland Empire, his writing for CFR news over the past 16 months reminded us just how special his voice was: warm, sharp, curious and deeply human.

Below is the obituary submitted by his family, shared here with their permission, followed by a reflection on what John meant to local sports and to our newsroom.

Family Obituary

John Melchior Murphy
Jan. 5, 1956 – Nov. 21, 2025

John Melchior Murphy, a longtime California sportswriter and mentor, died Nov. 21 in Highland. He was 69.

Murphy was born Jan. 5, 1956, in San Francisco and raised in San Bruno by his parents, James and Catherine Murphy.

He is survived by his son, Kyle; siblings Cathy Fama (Joe), Anne Murphy, R.S.M., and Jim Murphy (Linda, deceased); nephews Chris and Dan (Stephanie); great-nephews Ryan and Marty; and his partner, Maria Lopez.

A proud alum of Serra High School, Murphy attended Skyline College and later earned a bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University. While in college, he worked as a stringer for the San Mateo Times, covering high school sports on the Peninsula. He also served as a playground leader and mentor at John Muir School through San Bruno Recreation, where he earned a local PTA award. It was there that he organized a basketball team that went undefeated, conquering most of the local public and private schools, as well as some of the best teams in San Francisco.

After graduation, Murphy became sports editor of the Watsonville Register-Pajaronian, where he worked for 11 years. He later wrote for papers in Oregon, Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, and the Inland Empire communities of Victorville, San Bernardino and Redlands. Known for his casual, funny and engaging style, he wrote extensively about high school sports as well as human-interest stories. He was as comfortable writing about girls’ volleyball or boys’ football and his thoughtful stories endeared him to students, their parents and coaches. His work earned numerous journalism awards across the state, including honors from the San Francisco and Los Angeles press clubs, with several awarded in 2025.

A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Dec. 19 at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Burlingame. A private family burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Reception details will be announced at the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Serra High School, 451 W. 20th Ave., San Mateo, CA 94403, or the Sisters of Mercy, 2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010.

What John Meant to Local Sports and to CFR

John didn’t just cover sports; he also celebrated the people who play them. He had a gift for finding the human thread in every story, whether he was writing about a rising high-jump star, a resilient team or a young athlete discovering their confidence.

His stories were full of heart and shaped by a blend of wit, precision, and a deep knowledge of local sports history that made his work stand out. Students, parents, and coaches often told me how meaningful it was to have someone notice their efforts and tell their stories.

Though John wrote for many publications throughout his long career, he approached his work for CFR with the same passion and professionalism. We were lucky to have his voice in our weekly newsletter covering a wide array of sports from boys football, basketball, and baseball to girls volleyball, basketball and flag football, as well as cross country and water polo.

I will personally miss the joy of editing his pieces – not that there was ever much to change.

CFR reporter Kathryne McCann shared this reflection, which captures what so many of us feel:

“Though I did not have the pleasure of meeting John in person, I had the privilege of getting to know him through his writing. As a sports reporter, he captured the wins and losses, but more than that, he told the stories of the people behind the game. His passion for the work and his care for the community came through in every piece. John reminded us that sports are ultimately about heart, and his passionate coverage was undeniably special.”
— Kathryne McCann

To borrow from one of John’s own columns: it wasn’t Wimbledon — but we had fun. And because of John, our community’s stories always felt championship-worthy.

Local journalism is about people. It’s about telling their stories, honoring their contributions, and carrying their legacy forward. John embodied that spirit, and we are grateful for the time, talent and heart he shared with all of us.

With gratitude,
Stephanie