We are saddened to announce the death of Mrs. Mary Jo Murphy, long-time diocesan Communications Office employee and Spirit FM 90.5 radio personality, on Friday, January 13, 2017. Mary Jo was also the sister of Father Michael O’Brien, pastor of St. Clement Parish in Plant City. Mary Jo recorded more than 5,600 programs for Spirit FM over a period of nearly thirty years, most notably her daily program, “Growing in Grace.” She also provided commentary for numerous liturgical events at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017, 11:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius of Antioch Roman Catholic Church (715 E. Orange Street, Tarpon Springs). There will be no viewing or Vigil Service.

Please keep Mary Jo’s husband, Ken, children Tara and Tim and all of her family members and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary Jo’s name to American Cancer Society, Dementia Society of America, or Spirit FM 90.5. Read the full obituary here.

Click here to see a few photos of Mary Jo Murphy during her time faithfully serving the people of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

Listen below to a tribute to Mary Jo Murphy and her last Growing in Grace show on Spirit FM 90.5, which was recorded and aired the week before Christmas in December 2016.

May her soul and the soul of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace!