The Gordon Clan Family History

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Agnes Murphy, born Feb. 15, 1918, was raised in Woodside, NY by her parents, James J. Murphy and Mary Shanahan Murphy. Ag had a brother who died when he was seven. As Ag was not yet 4, she basically grew up as an only child. James Murphy later became known to his grandkids as Gramp. His friends called him, Murph, and in the firehouse, he was Captain Murphy.

Paul Edward Gordon, born Jan. 21, 1917, was raised in Harlem and parts of Manhattan before the family relocated to Woodside, NY. His father, William Ward Gordon, died when Paul was fifteen. His mother, Hannah Hart Gordon, continued to raise her seven children: Bill, Frank, Hart, Jean, Roger, Paul and Robert.

Paul and Ag met in their early twenties at a church event where they were both volunteers. They dated, fell in love, and married Apr. 21, 1940, sharing their anniversary date with Ag's parents. A year later, Ag lost her mom and James Murphy lost his much beloved wife. Ag and Paul started their family in the row-house at 32-19 54th Street, living with Ag's dad. The arrival of their fifth child catapulted them out of Queens into a house in Port Washington, NY. Captain Murphy moved with them and witnessed the birth of six more children.

Three generations and eleven children all under one roof - we were blessed. Mom and dad were our role models, mentors, care-givers, and our moral compass. They taught us how to live, love, laugh and respect others. They became BigNana and Pop-Pop to their grandchildren and continue to be part of our lives as we share our precious memories.

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