Joseph M. Murphy, a founding director of Country Bank New York and a United States Marine, has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Marine Corps University Foundation’s prestigious Major General John H. Russell Leadership Award.   

Murphy was chosen for the top distinction in recognition of his exemplary service and dedication to the community.

The Russell Leadership Award honors Murphy’s lifelong commitment to excellence in leadership and character which reflects the history, traditions, and ethos of the Marine Corps.  Murphy will receive the award at the Major General John H. Russell luncheon on October 18 at the Union League Club in New York City.

Murphy was born and raised in the Inwood Section of Manhattan.  His father, Michael, was from Dunworley, Co. Cork, and his mother, Mary Sullivan, was from Ballyporeen, Co. Tipperary.   

Murphy served as a Platoon Sergeant with the U.S. Marine Corps, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division, from 1953 to 1956, in defense of United Nations positions in Korea.  He remained in the Reserves until 1961. 

Following his military service, Murphy completed his undergraduate at Iona College and graduated with honors in 1959.  He later attended the Graduate School of Business at New York University.   

In June 2018, Country Bank received the Burke Award from Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in recognition of its longtime support of the medical institution. The bank is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

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