Arlene A. Murphy.

SCOTCH PLAINS, N.J.—Services were held here on Oct. 5 for Arlene A. Murphy, a widely-known, longtime senior sales consultant for Varilux, and later a regional manager for Essilor Lenses for many years. Murphy (Nee Natangeli) of Morganville, N.J. died unexpectedly on Sept. 30, at Cranford Rehabilitation Center in Cranford, N.J. Murphy had a Master's Degree in microbiology but transitioned into the optical field where she became one of the first sales reps for Varilux when it started, moving on to become a district manager for Essilor Lenses.

She was closely identified with the company's growth over a 31-year career where she trained and helped mentor many at the company.

Murphy was born on February 14, 1947 in Brooklyn, New York where she also resided until marriage. She started her career in the lab at Lenox Hill Hospital in N.Y. working her way up to supervisor. On June 14, 1969 she married Dr. Frank Murphy. The couple then relocated to Matawan, N.J. for a few years until finally settling down in the home they built together in Morganville, N.J. in 1975.

After having children and always having a desire to further her education, Murphy returned to school to complete her BS in biology at Rutgers University and then pursued a Master's Degree in microbiology which she obtained from NYU. She then transitioned careers into the optical field where she worked first as a brand senior sales consultant and then as a district sales manager for Essilor of America in Dallas, Texas. Murphy remained with the company until her retirement.

R. Michael Daley, who worked closely with Murphy and was named president of Varilux in 1989 and eventually became president and COO of Essilor Lenses of America (he is now retired) remembered her fondly. "In the early '80s, Arlene was one of the first reps we had. She initially worked for Jeff Anderson, her boss at the time, when Jacques Stoerr was president of the company. She was respected and much-loved over the course of her career.

"She was a legendary Varilux sales consultant. Everyone from presidents (including Varilux' founder Bernard Maintenaz, who always wanted to sit next to her at functions), doctors, opticians, sales reps knew her, respected her and loved her. Her family was her life and Varilux was part of her family. No words can express the sadness of her passing," Daley said.

The family's obituary for Murphy talked about her passion for her family. She loved the New York Yankees and Notre Dame football team and enjoyed her U.S. and international travel.

Murphy was predeceased by her husband Frank L. Murphy Jr. and survived by her children, Kevin and wife Barbara, Cristin and her husband Lee, and her five grandchildren Jordan, Michael, Hunter, Ava and Christian. She is also survived by her nephew and niece, Matt and his wife Jennifer, and Alison, and two great nephews Jack and Owen, as well as numerous first and second cousins.

A funeral was held at Holy Trinity Church, following a visitation the evening prior. In lieu of flowers, the family is noting that donations may be made to Crimsonrise or St. Jude's Research Hospital Foundation in her honor. A guestbook at the Rossi Funeral Home is also accepting messages at the link here.