Arthur Donald Murtha, born August 16th, 1951, in Boston, Massachusetts, died on November 25th, 2022, in Huntsville, AL, after a debilitating stroke.
Growing up in Boston, MA, Art enlisted in the Army in August of 1968 to create a better life for himself. While stationed in Wertheim, Germany, he met his wife and partner of 52 years, Brigitte Marie Segner. They were married in Germany, moved back to Fort Hood, TX, and had their daughter Brigitte Denise Murtha. Shortly thereafter, he was stationed in Germany and they had their daughter Michelle Renee Murtha and moved back to Ft Hood, Killeen, TX. They established a life and lived in Killeen for many years. Later, he transferred his service from the Army to the National Guard and joined the Fire Department.
While in Killeen, Art was very active in the community. As a firefighter by profession, he was also an active volunteer in various community organizations. He was best known for his ability to establish, grow and lead with his heart.
Before leaving Killeen, Kevin Murtha was born, but shortly after, they moved to Huntsville, Alabama. Retiring from the National Guard in December of 1991, he continued his career as a Fire and Safety Inspector at Redstone Arsenal. He learned Karate and immersed himself in the Karate community in his spare time. Along with Brigitte and Kevin, they all earned their Black Belts.
Over the years, Art had many health problems. But his second and last stroke caused his death. He died knowing that he was loved and would be missed by his family as they all traveled home to be with him throughout the 13 days he was in the Hospital and Hospice Facility.
The family would like to extend their Appreciation to the Nurses and Doctors at Huntsville Hospital and the Hospice Facility. They were excellent throughout the entire process. First, it was in an attempt to help him recover and then later to help him transition to Comfort and Hospice Care.
A big Thank You to all those family and friends who also reached out with words of support, encouragement, and condolences.
Art will be most remembered for his bah-humbug spirit, his smile, and the love that he had for all.
He is proceeded in death by his sister, Denice Murtha, and survived by his wife, Brigitte Segner Murtha, daughters Denise Murtha Bachmann (Husband, Andreas Bachmann) and Michelle Murtha (Husband Mike Walters) and son Kevin Murtha, along with his grandchildren Kaitlyn Holt (Husband, Andrew Kimbrough), McKenzie Holt, Devin Holt, Kylee Murtha, Emma Bachmann, and Mattias Bachmann and his great-grandchildren Addie Kimbrough and Lawson Kimbrough.
Art was a father, son, brother, husband, and grandfather loved by many. He touched the world with his many contributions to the Fire Fighter Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Jaycees, the Karate Community, and so many more. His time and effort will always be remembered. And missed.
Visitation is on Wednesday, November 30th, at 1 pm at Valhalla Funeral Home. Immediately following will be the funeral service at 2 pm.
Instead of flowers, please consider contributing to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Art Murtha’s name using this link: DONATE TO MDA IN HONOR OF ART MURTHA Simply enter Art Murtha for the Honoree’s First and Last Name. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Murtha family.
