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HERALD
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DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025
What’s
INSIDE
Vol. 73 No. 52
HERALD PERSON oF ThE YEAR Terrence MurPhy
A legacy of duty, serving Seaford
The commander of American Legion Post 1132 keeps its focus on helping veterans through a variety of initiatives. By Luke Feeney
Thousands went green for Saint Patrick's Day. Page 7
Terrence Murphy has spent a lifetime giving back to his community. As the third of nine children in a busy Irish Catholic household in Seaford, Murphy watched his father, an elected leader, a jurist and a longtime American Legion commander, help shape not only the laws of the state but the civic heart of his hometown. George Austin Murphy, Terrence’s father, was a member of the State Assembly from 1973 to 1978. In November 1978 he was elected to the State Supreme Court. He was re-elected in 1992, and retired in 1998. t’s a In the Murphy home, Terence recalled, “Dad may have been the gencommunityeral, but Mom was the drill sergeant.” based Growing up in a large household, he said, taught him the importance of organization that working as both an individual and as ties the fabric of part of a collective. Now 70, Murphy the community has taken up that mantle of responsibility in more ways than one, as a together. military veteran who served at home and abroad, and as the longtime comTERRENCE MuRphy mander of Seaford American Legion Commander, Seaford Post 1132. American Legion “It’s always in the back of your Post 1132 mind — what your parents did, what their experiences were,” he said. “I didn’t know what I wanted to be, but I wanted to be all that I could be.” For all he has done over the years for his hometown, the Herald is proud to name Murphy its 2025 Person of the Year. He joined the Army shortly after graduating from Seaford High School in 1973. He served in German until 1976, and after working as a letter carrier for several years, he returned as a judge advocate general in the Army Reserves for 24 years, until 2015. “Our responsibility was to help move equipment in and out of Afghanistan,” he said of his work as a JAG officer. “It was a different kind of service — but it was critical.” Murphy’s interest in military service, he said, developed early. A cousin served in Vietnam, and a neighborhood friend named Danny Glading was killed there. His father served as commander of both the Seaford and Nassau County American Legion.
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Over 60 vendors packed temple for card show. Page 11
Hundreds returned to district schools. Page 14
For BrEAKING NEWS go to liherald.com
The Seaford legion once met at the Seaford Habor Civic Association building on Riverside Avenue. Murphy credits his father and others with raising the money and manpower to build the post’s current home on Penatiquit Avenue, which was built around 60 years ago. Inside the building today, the walls are decorated with flags and patriotic posters, and photos of past commanders — including his father’s — line a hallway. A bar sits in one corner. A large event hall, currently decorated for the holidays, hosts everything from luncheons to birthday parties. “I have great memories as a child of being here,” Murphy said, recalling his childhood experiences, which featured picnics, a drum and bugle corps and lessons in Morse code. “I have a responsibility now not to let the post fall into disrepair. That’s really it.” As commander, he sees that responsibility as both practical and personal. He organizes regular cleanups and oversees maintenance. He opens the doors to neighbors who need a venue for special events. And he still chairs meetings on the first and third Wednesday of every month. Continued on page 2
Courtesy Terrence Murphy
Terrence Murphy, above, has served the community as the longtime commander of American Legion Post 1132.