Don Murtha passed away at the age of 85. He was born in Queens, New York to John Charles and Selma Alberta Murtha and lived his younger years in Hempstead, NY.

He graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism. Don was a reporter in the old style of Walter Cronkite. At the time if John F. Kennedy's death, on which he reported, he worked for the Savannah Evening Press in Savannah, GA. Don also reported on the civil rights movement of the time.

However going west was his life's dream. Don reported for the Sacramento Bee out of the Placerville, CA office for several years. He finally made it to Oregon where he became editor fr the Woodburn Independent and then became editor of The Silverton Appeal at the time owned by Joe Davis.

He left the industry for a while, but returned to his first love, reporting, by becoming a contributor to Our Town from which he retired.

Don was a person who always thought of other people first. His infectious smile was always present; he had a great sense of humor, also known as the Murtha humor.

Don had suffered with Pulmonary Fibrosis beginning in 2009 for which there is no cure. Barely able to breath, he was made comfortable by the great care of Willamette Valley Hospice.

He is survived by his wife Gisela of 61 years, son's Poul (Ramona) and Bob (Susan), 3 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, brother John Murtha and sister Nancy Sexton. His sister Carolyn Feller preceded him in death.

A funeral service will be held on March 24 ^th 11am at St. Mary Church, Mt. Angel, OR followed by a reception provided by the Catholic Daughters of America CDA.

The family would appreciate that you carry on Don's spirit by sharing a smile with those you encounter in your daily life.