Centenary's former first lady buried at Arlington National Cemetery, months after crash

William Westhoven, Morristown Daily Record
·2 min read

Centenary University's former first lady was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, the Hackettstown school announced on Tuesday, even as her alleged killer in a drunk-driving accident remains in jail awaiting a trial.

Retired U. S. Army Col. Jeanne Picariello Murphy, the wife of university president Bruce Murphy, was buried in an April 12 ceremony, the school said in a statement.

Jeanne Murphy, 70, was killed while walking her dog in Hackettstown on Jan. 7, four months after her husband announced his plans to retire at the end of his contract, effective July 1. Both Murphys served in the Army: Bruce Murphy went into academia after retiring as a lieutenant colonel.

Former Centenary University president Bruce Murphy places a flower on top of the casket of his wife, U.S. Army Col. Jeanne Picariello Murphy, following her funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery on April 12. Jeanne Murphy died in a hit-and-run accident in Hackettstown in January.
Former Centenary University president Bruce Murphy places a flower on top of the casket of his wife, U.S. Army Col. Jeanne Picariello Murphy, following her funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery on April 12. Jeanne Murphy died in a hit-and-run accident in Hackettstown in January.

His wife was a career Army nurse who served for 30 years in posts around the world. She was interred beside her parents and grandparents, all of whom were military veterans, the university said on Tuesday.

Jeanne Murphy was walking along Reese Avenue near First Avenue about 7:30 a.m. when she was struck by a vehicle driven by Hackettstown resident, Jefferson Chimbo-Pelaez, according to Lt. Darren Tynan of the Hackettstown Police Department. Prosecutors said Chimbo-Pelaez, who had received his learner's permit only three months prior, was drunk at the time of the crash.

Murphy was taken to Hackettstown Medical Center and then flown to Morristown Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead on Jan. 8. Chimbo-Pelaez, 25 was charged with aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide.

In March, he declined a plea deal that would have carried a 12-year prison sentence. Chimbo-Pelaez remained at the Warren County Correctional Facility as of Tuesday, jail officials said.

More: Centenary president says he's departing with university on stronger footing

According to the university, Murphy's 30-year military career included leadership roles as a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee board of directors. She chaired the USOC Multi-Sport Organizations Council for 10 years.

A former competitive runner and swimmer, she was also the first woman selected to the U.S. Modern Pentathlon Team in 1975, Centenary wrote. After retiring from the military in 2001, Murphy was designated chef de mission for the U.S. Paralympic Team in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Jeanne Murphy, wife of Centenary University President Bruce Murphy, was killed in a hit-and-run accident while taking a morning walk in Hackettstown.
Retired U.S. Army Col. Jeanne Murphy, wife of Centenary University President Bruce Murphy, was killed in a hit-and-run accident while taking a morning walk in Hackettstown.

Bruce Murphy said in a February interview that he was grateful for the support he received from the Centenary community, including a memorial service for his wife attended by 400 people in person, with others watching via livestream.

"They really responded. Not just the university but neighbors," Murphy said at the time. "It's been so gratifying and in a way, overwhelming. But it does help somewhat to get through this."

William Westhoven is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com 

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This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Centenary University first lady buried at Arlington National Cemetery