Murphy pioneered the concept of in-house design associates to better assist customers in Safavieh stores. (Photo courtesy of Safavieh)
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. – Retail home furnishings veteran Joseph E. Murphy, Jr., who was head designer for Safavieh Home Furnishings for two decades prior to retirement, passed away peacefully on Feb. 7.
“Joe contributed greatly to the growth and success of our retail group and pioneered the concept of in-house design associates to better assist our customers,” said Michael Yaraghi, president of the 10-store Safavieh chain, which has locations in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.
“His merchandising innovation and trend forecasting were key contributors to our company’s growth and success. Even after his retirement, Joe maintained friendships with our team and was a trusted advisor to me personally. He will be dearly missed,” Yaraghi said.
Murphy was born May 23, 1943, in New York city and raised in Massapequa, Long Island, where he formed lifelong friendships and memories that stayed with him throughout his life. He lived for many years in The Hamptons and Mill Neck, N.Y., before spending the final years of his life in Charleston, S.C.
A graduate of Georgetown University, Murphy began his career in the advertising business and later pursued his true passion for design, studying at Parsons School of Design and Pratt Institute. Along with his family, he opened a design studio, Lifestyle Interiors, in The Hamptons. He was later hired by Safavieh to open the company’s flagship furniture and design stores in New York City and Connecticut and went on to serve for more than 20 years as head designer, the company said.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Murphy and Harriette Murphy; his sisters, Diane Roberts and Ronnie Hagen; and his brother, Keith Murphy. He is survived by his sisters, Gay Murphy and Claudia Kohlmann, and her husband Al Kohlmann.
A private burial will take place in the spring at St. Andrew’s Cemetery in Sag Harbor, N.Y.
