Celebrating Terry Murphy’s Remarkable Career at Schindler

Terry’s story began with a simple love for fixing things. “I loved mechanical stuff,” he recalled. A neighbor who worked as an elevator mechanic had seen that spark and opened the door to a lifelong calling.

This passion carried Terry through some of New York City’s most iconic projects—from his early days at Rockefeller Center to nine years as the resident mechanic at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

For Terry, these roles weren’t just jobs; they were milestones that showcased his attention to detail and passion for the vertical transportation industry.

One of Terry’s proudest professional achievements wasn’t a career milestone—it was his son, Aidan, following in his footsteps.

“When my son got into the [elevator] business, that was my proudest moment,” Terry said. “Watching him enjoy it the way I did meant everything.”

When asked what had brought him to the industry a year and a half earlier, Aidan shared the same sentiment: “Hands-on experience, growing up around it, and following in his footsteps—it just felt right.”

The father-and-son duo even had the opportunity to work side by side at MoMA, with Terry as the resident mechanic and Aidan as a repair mechanic. Together, they not only represented the importance of family, but the enduring values of skill, dedication, and pride.

Terry’s journey reflected the heart of Schindler: passion, precision, and people. Today, we celebrate his contributions and wish him endless joy in retirement, remembered by his colleagues and supervisors for his undeniable impact on the industry.