Frederick Augustus Murphy, Jr.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, scientist, and teacher, Dr. Frederick Augustus Murphy, Jr., passed away at the age of 92 on June 23, 2026, in Bethesda, Maryland, surrounded by loved ones.

Fred was the devoted husband of Irene May Warwas Murphy of Cuero, Texas, whom he married in 1960. Together they shared 40 years of marriage before Irene’s passing in 2000. They are survived by their four sons: Rick (Frederick A. Murphy III), Tim (William Timothy Murphy), John (John Godias Murphy), and Terence (Terence David Murphy); their wives Robin, Kelley, Mary Margaret, and Michelle; Irene’s siblings Helen (Warwas) Lempa, Edwin Warwas, and Alvin Warwas; Fred’s sisters Mary Lou Klouda and Patrcia Furnell; five beloved grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, colleagues, and former students around the world.

Dr. Murphy devoted more than six decades to the study and prevention of infectious diseases, becoming one of the world’s leading virologists and a pioneer in modern public health. His research advanced scientific understanding of rabies, Ebola, Marburg, and many other viruses. He served as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Infectious Diseases, Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis, and later Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Over his career he authored more than 500 scientific papers, chaired international virology conferences, edited the prestigious Archives of Virology, and was inducted into the National Academy of Medicine.

More than any professional accomplishment, however, he treasured his marriage to Irene. He described the events around their courtship and marriage—which came while he was serving in the U.S. Army in San Antonio—as nothing short of a miracle. Together they built a warm and loving home centered on family, education, and adventure.

Born in New York City on June 14, 1934, Fred grew up in a household of modest means. His father, Fred Sr., was a welder who worked long hours building naval vessels during World War II, and his mother Louise kept a loving home for their three children. Fred attended Cornell University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Bacteriology in 1957 and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1959. Following service as a Captain in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, he earned a Ph.D. in Comparative Pathology from the University of California, Davis.

In 1964 the young family moved to Atlanta, where Fred began what would become nearly three decades of leadership and research at the Centers for Disease Control. There he combined pioneering laboratory investigations with public service, helping scientists understand some of the world’s most dangerous viral diseases. His work produced the first electron microscope images of the Ebola virus (as described in The Hot Zone), advanced understanding of many viruses, and helped shape their modern scientific classification.

In 1978 the family moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, where Fred served as Associate Dean of Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences before returning to CDC in 1983 as Director of the Division of Viral Diseases and later Director of the National Center for Infectious Diseases. In 1991 he became Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis, where he guided the school through a period of significant growth and cemented its stellar reputation. After moving to Galveston, Texas, in 2005, he continued teaching, writing, and mentoring at the University of Texas Medical Branch until his retirement. In 2015 he moved to Bethesda, Maryland, where he enjoyed spending his final years close to two of his sons, their wives, and young grandchildren.

A man of boundless curiosity, Fred’s interests spanned the universe. He was generous with his time, devoted to teaching, and deeply optimistic about humanity’s ability to solve difficult problems through knowledge, cooperation, and compassion. Above all, he loved his family and remained profoundly grateful for the life he shared with Irene.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026, 9:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Cuero with a Funeral Mass to start at 10:00 a.m. with Father Caleb Krischke officiating. Interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Catholic Relief Services or Habitat for Humanity, organizations whose missions reflected Fred’s and Irene’s lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others.

You may sign the guestbook or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.

Freund Funeral Home, 361-275-2343.