John Murphy II Obituary

In Loving Memory of Johnny Murphy

August 27, 1969 - July 26, 2025

"It's better to burn out than to fade away." – Neil Young

With deep sadness, we share the passing of John "Johnny" T. Murphy II, who left us far too soon on July 26, 2025. His sudden departure has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Johnny was known for his kindness, generosity, and his rare ability to notice what others overlooked. He was a loyal friend, a steady source of support, and someone who always put others before himself. With a love for music, art, and community, Johnny filled every space with creativity and care.

He is survived by his beloved fiancée, Christina Soletti; his brother, Jason Murphy (Kimberly Franich); his treasured niece, Zo Murphy; his mother, Carol Murphy; and his faithful dog, Poppy.

A man of wide-ranging passions, Johnny was both creative and cerebral. A lifelong learner dedicated to helping others, his career reflected his two great loves: music and health. After college, he began as a tour manager, traveling the world with bands such as Stone Fox, Rocket from the Crypt, the Dwarves, and the Meices. His passion for music, sharp attention to detail, and tireless "can-do" spirit made him an invaluable part of every tour. In addition, he loved fronting his own bands, playing music with friends, most recently in Flat Black (Oakland).

After years on the road, Johnny turned to his other calling: psychology, health, and wellness. He worked at UCSD in clinical trial recruitment before moving into business development for clinical trial companies, with a particular focus on the central nervous system. His dedication ultimately led him to earn an MBA.

A lifelong lover of the arts, Johnny treated his art collection as a living canvas-championing artists, exploring ideas, and imagining his converted church, Holy Diver as a space where concepts could take form.

To his family and friends, Johnny was a constant source of love, understanding, and encouragement. His life was filled with deep compassion. He felt the weight of the world's suffering and sought to ease it in his own ways-whether by making weekly trips to Costco to prepare sandwiches for people living on the streets of Oakland, or by offering his time, energy, and presence to anyone in need. His generous spirit touched all who crossed his path.

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 7, 2025, in the Bay Area, where we will gather to honor his memory and the many lives he touched. Details TBD

Johnny's absence is a profound loss, but his spirit of kindness, creativity, and community will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a dog rescue or homeless shelter of your choice.

If you would like to support the family with expenses during this difficult time, contributions may be made through their GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/189082587