“A true and trusted friend”
He rejoined his beloved wife Marilou on Monday, June 8, 2020, age 91, formerly of Churchill. He was born in Pittsburgh on February 12, 1929, the son of Irish Catholic immigrants, Nicholas Murphy and Nora Newell. He had a deep pride in his Irish heritage and was a devout Catholic. Nick had an unspoken generosity to those who were less fortunate in life and was always donating to charities that reflected his religious beliefs and created opportunities for others. Nick was a proud graduate of Central Catholic High School and attended Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh where he graduated with a degree in engineering. He entered a career in the engineering field and worked for over 20 years as a nuclear contract specialist for Westinghouse. Nick was married to Marilou Pavolkvich for 58 years and was a loving, caring husband. In many ways he was a remarkable man who deeply valued knowledge and reflection and encouraged his nieces and nephews to make education a priority. He loved sports of all kinds as a fan and participant, and was an avid golfer throughout his life. He enthusiastically cheered on the Steelers and Pirates, but he truly loved the sports of his alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh, and without question “bled blue and gold!” Nick was uncompromising in his values and always said what he felt. He made friends easily, and his loyalty to those friends ran deep and for life. Nick had a keen intellect and love of knowledge, was quick with a joke, and even quicker to buy you a beer. He was a man who lived without regrets, and always looked forward instead of back. “Nick loved life and life loved him back.” He made an indelible mark on everyone he touched and made us all better people. While he will be terribly missed, he truly lived a life worth celebrating. Nick was the brother of Rose Marie Gubala, the late Mary Nina Opal, and the late Kathleen Kirstein. Brother-in-law of Edward Kirstein. Uncle of Joe, Jim, and John Gubala, Ken, John, Chris, Dave, and Bob Opal, Stacey Carlson, and Lynn Kirstein; also survived by many grand-nieces and -nephews. Friends received at Wolfe Memorial, LLC, Forest Hills Chapel, 3604 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh PA 15221, on Thursday 2-4 and 6-8. Mass of Christian Burial at St. John Fisher Church on Friday at 11am. Entombment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. The family suggests memorial gifts be given to the charity of your choice.
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