Daniel Gerard Murphy
Daniel Gerard Murphy, 62, born on June 23, 1962, in Melrose Park, IL, was sent to his eternal home on May 16, 2025, in Oak Brook, Illinois, after a nine-year battle with colo-rectal cancer. He was the beloved husband of Dr. Paul Jones for 21 years.
Boo, Danny, Dan or Murph, as he was affectionately known, had an immediately recognizable and infectious laugh, constant smile and positive outlook. His playful, and often self-deprecating wit, was what endeared him to so many.
Dan grew up in Westchester where he began collecting life-long friends. He attended Divine Infant Parish School and was the organist for services there until the “Smoke on the Water” incident. High school found him working part-time at Westchester Flower Shoppe where he showed an aptitude for the floral industry. After graduating from Northern Illinois University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, one of his first jobs was creating vignettes for the (Hugh) Plunkett Furniture Showroom. As a fashion model, his athletic image in tennis whites graced the Morrie Mages Sports Store at Ontario and LaSalle. Next, he opened Bloomers of River Forest, which included a chic retail space on Lake Street. The window displays he innovated are still being talked about. The imaginative floral designs that came out of his workroom were seen weekly in the stores on Michigan Avenue and Oak Street, including Marshall Field’s, Barneys of New York, Bergdorf-Goodman and Elizabeth Arden Salon. In 1998, he received first prize in the House Beautiful, Celebrations at Home, Furniture des Fleurs Competition among all the showrooms at the Merchandise Mart. The jaw-dropping Wizard of Oz inspired design he created for Melvin Wolf, bested every other entrant in the Merchandise Mart. Countless brides have carried his hand-wired bouquets on their special day, while their guests sat at tables adorned with one of his trend-setting creations. He merged his floral and interior design businesses into Pastis Design Services of Oak Park, which he headed until 2020. In that role, he and his collaborator, Mary Ann (Mimi) Naso, transformed commercial and residential spaces in Michigan, Florida, California, West Virginia, Chicago and the suburbs, winning multiple awards for historic and innovative design elements. They were chosen to participate in the Oak Park ASID Showcase House in 2005.
Splitting his time between Chicago and San Diego, Dan collected a cadre of west coast friends, too. He exercised daily and was always happy when he was at the gym. Acquaintences quickly became friends while there because his upbeat positivity, work ethic and results stood out. Always approachable and friendly, he felt everyone should look out for each other while there. On any given day he would pause his own workout to gently guide new gym users on proper technique and etiquette, while jovially calling out seasoned users for their lapses.
Once his illness prevented him from working and working out, he continued to challenge himself by learning watercolor, oil and air brush painting. In the weeks just before his death, he even started crocheting. He continued his skilled passions of cooking, gardening and jigsaw puzzles. But, his true joy was keeping connected to his family, extended family, in-laws and friends, speaking with many of them daily. In 2016 he became an Imerman Angel mentor, providing his positivity through one-on-one cancer support to 16 similarly diagnosed individuals.
There was more joy, happiness and laughter in the world, and it was a better place, because of Dan Murphy. He will be terribly missed by all who knew him.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, James (Buck) and Jeanne Harrast Murphy, brother James Murphy, and four-legged children Sparkey and Dexter. He is survived by his siblings Maureen (Kenneth) Gorman, Terrence (MaryAnn) Murphy and Jeanne (James) Busse, many nieces, nephews, cousins and god-children, and his canine chemo buddy Astro.
Donations can be made to Imerman Angels www.imermanangels.com
A Celebration of Life will be held at 5pm on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at The Drake – 2301 York Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523.
Truly a gem! Heaven gained the happiest angel. Dan will be missed. Sending love to you Paul.
XO, Jan &Tony
I knew Dan thru my sister in law Debbie. And when she and my brother Rob renewed their vows in Hawaii Dan made all the flower arrangements for the table.
Dan and I were up at 8sm collecting flowers from all over he was soo much fun.with blue sand he brought from Chicago.
The tables were beautiful. He was talented creative and kind. A one of a kind. Rest in peace.
Dan certainly fought long, valiantly and with so much grace. Sending Peace, Prayers and Love. Denise Seter
You couldn’t help but smile when you were in his presence because he was either dazzling you with his quick wit or mesmerizing you with his gorgeous smile. The lights on earth are not as quite as bright anymore. Rest in paradise Dan and keep watching over Dr. Jones and Astro.
We will miss Dan’s brilliant countenance in our neighborhood, both he & Paul brought /bring such light into our lives. A spark that has gone on to the glorious, countless rays of brilliance in heaven.
Dan was the most positive person I’ve ever known. No matter how bad things got, he always kept positive . Truly a role model for us all. Paul the picture that you chose captures a lot. Danny was funny had that great smile that twinkle in his eyes. I am going to miss him greatly, but I am very happy for all the memories that I have with your boys. Love you big time, Mike L
You will be greatly missed Dan. Your incredible smile and positive spirit was a gift to many of us as you passed walking Astro. Your presence was a gift to this world. Enjoy Paradise my friend, you’ll be leading the group with an infectious attitude of grace and love.
Sending hugs and love Paul.
Dan was a remarkable human being who lived a full and productive life that was cut too short. I knew him to have a great sense of humour and he was also a great cook! Our sincere condolences are sent to Paul and his whole family.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Dan, but anyone married to Dr. Paul Jones is undoubtedly another beautiful person. Paul – I’m so, so very sorry for your loss.
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We will miss Dan so much! Nothing but good memories with Dan and Paul. Some of the best times of lives. So sorry for your lost Paul. We are here for you if you ever need company.
I never met Dan in person but I spoke with him often through work. He was honestly our most favorite customer. He always had such a great attitude and outlook on life. There was laughter every time we talked. I feel very privileged to have known him for the past probably 10 years. He would call almost monthly to pay his bill(I work for a local florist). I’m extremely saddened by his passing. The world needs more people like Dan. My sincere condolences to his family.
He was so special to me, and of course to Ham, Alex and Ofek. We loved him so much . He always made me feel special. He lit up any room he was in!! Our love and thoughts are with you Paul, as we celebrate and mourn Dan.
My deepest condolences, Paul. I met Dan only once in passing, and after reading his obituary, I can tell that the stars above are shining more brightly with Dan and his smile leading the way. May beautiful memories bring you some comfort during this very difficult time, Paul. And may the passage of time help heal the jagged hole in your heart. Sending love.
Dr. Paul, Mims, & Dan’s family – Sincerest condolences for the passing of Dan. I’ll always remember him as an incredibly warm, kind, and fun person. I feel incredibly fortunate to have known him – he’s the kind of person we all should try to be like.
I was saddened to hear about Dan’s passing. Dan was my friend at the gym in San Diego. What a wonderful man! He was a stellar angel while terrestrial, so his transition to Heaven will be seamless. Dan strode into the gym with a delightful smile and worked out with phenomenal energy. I’m grateful he often took time to ride the bike and chat with me. My sincere condolences to Dr. Paul and Dan’s family. Dan was a star! May he rest in peace, and may his light continue to shine on us all. Love, Barbara
Paul: My heartfelt condolences to you on the loss of your most precious Dan. I only met him once or twice but I can see that he was an amazing human being as well as an extremely talented artist. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Dan’s family.
Dan was a true inspiration to us all at Point Loma Sports Club. Such a genuine, kind soul. There were many times when I knew that he was here by hearing his laugh, before seeing him. I will never forget this special man.
We are neighbors and were just getting to know Dan. Dang, can’t believe he has left us so soon. Our hearts are completely surprised and sad. Rest in peace.. We know you will be well remembered always! Paul, come by! Jenny and Tom
Dan and Mimi were our trusted and amazingly creative friends and designers for our Oak Park and our Michigan homes forever leaving Danny’s color choices as testament to his brilliant creativity. I will never forget his bubbly personality and the witty way he often put words! I treasured ALL his advice, Dave and I are truly heartbroken at his loss, especially for Paul and his family and friends. What a beautiful person he was!!!
I became friends with Dan at the Point Loma Sports Center. Dan was my Chicago connection. We would often discuss the best places for pizza and Italian beefs in the western suburbs. I will miss those conversations but I will always remeber Dan for his positive attitude and friendly personality. To Paul and Dan’s family and friends, please accept my condolences.
I became friends with Dan and Paul when they became my part-time San Diego neighbors. Dan was such a kind and generous person. He was also someone who genuinely enjoyed life even in difficd times.
Paul, Queen Elizabeth reportedly said, “grief is the price we pay for love.”
Dan brought a smile to everyone he met and spread joy through all the flower arrangements he made. He was kind and compassionate and made everyone feel welcome in his presence. My sincere condolences to Paul and his family. I know he will be missed.
My condolences to Paul and your extended friends and family, it was a pleasure to have attended the fine parties hosted at your home during my training years at Rush. I agree Dan was a memorable gem of a person.