Brian Murphy ’76

Brian Murphy ’76: Remembering a ‘best friend’ lost on 9/11

More than 20 years later, the pain is still present.

The wounds have not healed.

And the day—the day the world changed in an instant—still haunts the family members of Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Brian Murphy ’76, who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

“There was, and still is, a terrible hole in all our lives,” Ann Murphy, Brian’s sister, said.

Brian’s wife, Judy, had just dropped off the couple’s youngest daughter, Leila, for her first day of nursery school on that 2001 morning. The gentleman operating the elevator in the school’s building mentioned a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. Brian worked in the North Tower as a Vice President at Cantor Fitzgerald for the company’s E-Trading Bond Program.

“I immediately felt that Brian was in some sort of danger,” Judy acknowledged. “My nervous system became activated. When I left the building, I called Brian from a pay phone and did not get an answer.”

“Knowing that Brian’s office was on 104th floor of the World Trade Center, my heart sank,” added Ann, who was teaching a class at Southwick-Tolland Regional High School in Massachusetts. “My colleague later remarked that the look on my face was total horror.”

Brian’s siblings, Harold and Cynthia, rushed to New York City immediately after learning of the attack, reaching Brian’s apartment by noon despite many of the bridges being closed. Family and friends repeatedly called Brian’s cell phone, attempting to trace the signal, but he was never found. Two • Brian Murphy ’76, right, weeks after the attack, at a hotel, with wife, Judy, and Cantor Fitzgerald announced to the daughters Jessica, second families that their loved ones were from left, and Leila. presumed dead.

“There were over 1,000 attendees at Brian’s memorial service held in New York City,” Ann recalled. “Friends from all over the world came to honor Brian’s memory. The universal message shared by each was that Brian was the glue that kept each of their groups together by reaching out throughout the years and setting up gatherings all around the country. So many described Brian as their best friend.”

Judy had lost her best friend, too. Worse, the couple’s two daughters—Jessica and Leila—lost a dad, and Brian missed watching “his girls” grow up into remarkable, world-changing young women.

“The hardest part about Brian’s death for me is knowing that he is missing out on the experience of being with his wonderful daughters and connecting with their beautiful souls,” Judy revealed. “And that Jessica and Leila are, in turn, not having the pleasure of Brian’s love, sense of humor and brilliance.”

“Since they were so young when he died, they have few real memories of their dad,” Ann said. “We have kept his memory alive with stories and photos, but it’s not the same.”

Jessica graduated from Brown University, taught in Tunisia for a year, worked for the New York City Department of Public Health as a contact tracer during COVID-19 and is now enrolled in a pre-med program at Goucher College in

• Brian Murphy ’76, center, in a yearbook photo of the Atlas staff. Others, from left: Ed Costa ’77, Greg Filias ’76, Steve Davis ’76, advisor Mr. Denver, Steve Riel ’77 and Alexandra Hanson-Harding ’77.

• Senior Stone near Binney Hall.

Maryland. Leila graduated from Yale University, taught in Morocco as a Fulbright Scholar, worked for AmeriCorps in Boston and is attending Law School at New York University.

Brian, a native of Westfield, Massachusetts, enjoyed his year at WMA, where he participated in the school newspaper Atlas. His Senior Stone rests parallel with the steps next to Binney, close to the Senior Bridge.

“Brian felt grateful about the education he received at WMA,” Judy relayed. “He felt that it was rigorous academically with high standards and a selective student body. He believed that the school prepared him for the rigors of college socially, academically and emotionally.

Brian made a connection with Head of School Francis “Mike” Casey, who steered him toward applying to Williams College, where he graduated in 1980. He later earned his Master’s in Business Administration from Columbia University. Also during his time at the Academy, Brian made a connection with one of the school’s giants.

“Brian truly enjoyed the academic rigor and collegial atmosphere at WMA,” Ann said. “An avid student, Brian appreciated the opportunity to learn with like-minded students. Brian enjoyed his classes with Fred Watts.”

Ann added that Brian would have been “very excited to learn about the Stock Market Challenge Program at WMA as he pursued a career in finance in New York City.”

“I met Brian in the mid-90s in my roles for WMA’s Alumni and Development Office,” reminisced Josh Merrow. “I was always eager to meet with alumni who were passionate about the Academy and willing to support it. Brian did not disappoint. He came to reunion and would show up at our events in New York. He loved the Academy and spoke about the impact WMA had on his life—a degree from Williams College and a career in finance. He was a smart, insightful, generous and kind person.”

Family members believe he was at his desk when the first plane struck the North Tower. A year after 9/11, WMA placed in stone in Heritage Courtyard to honor Brian.

“Brian’s memory remains alive in his family and friends,” Judy said. “We will always remember and be grateful for his presence in our lives.”

• Yearbook photo

• Memorial stone, dedicated by the Class of 2002, near a corner of Old Academy at Heritage Courtyard.

A 20th anniversary 9/11 remembrance ceremony was held at Heritage Courtyard on Sept. 10, 2021.

1 & 2 Director of College Counseling John Boozang rings the Monson Bell. 3 & 4 Head of School Brian P. Easler leads a 9/11 remembrance ceremony. 5 Students reflect during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony. 6 Head of School Brian P. Easler, foreground, and students.

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