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Francis Murphy Obituary

Of Wellesley Hills, Osterville, and Brookline, formerly of Mission Hill, August 28, 2006. Beloved son of the late Francis J. & Margaret G. (Hanley) Murphy. Dear brother of Joan F. Murphy of Brookline, Ann Murphy Raffa and her husband, John P. of Osterville and Brookline, and the late "Jims" Murphy. Uncle of Kati Raffa Osterman of Hingham, Annie Raffa of Framingham and John P. Raffa of Phoenix, AZ. Great uncle of Margot Osterman and Nicco and Francesca Raffa. Nephew of Dorothy Murphy of Hyannis. Father Murphy was a graduate of Mission Grammar School, Boston Latin School and The College of the Holy Cross. Ordained into the priesthood on February 2, 1962, he received his doctorate in European History at Catholic University, Washington, D.C. Father was assigned to the parishes of the Star of the Sea, East Boston, St. Margaret Mary's, Westwood, Blessed Sacrament, Cambridge, and Sacred Heart, Newton. He was also Chaplain of the Nazareth Home, Jamaica Plain. For the past twenty years he was Chaplain of the Sisters of Charity, Mt. St. Vincent Community, Wellesley Hills, as well as Professor at St. John's Seminary, and Professor of History at Boston College. Reposing at Mt. St. Vincent, 125 Oakland St., Wellesley Hills. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours Wednesday from 3-7 PM. Concelebrated Funeral Mass in Mt. St. Vincent Chapel on Thursday August 31 at 10 AM. Interment, St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sisters of Charity, Mt. St. Vincent Community, 125 Oakland St. Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 or to the New England Food Foundation, PO Box 960788, Boston, MA. 02196. Brady & Fallon Funeral Home 617-524-0861

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Aug. 29 to Aug. 30, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Francis Murphy

Sponsored by one of many grateful students.

Not sure what to say?





Michael Moore

May 10, 2022

He was a wonderful man´s and teacher. I think of him often.
Michael Moore
Class of 1975 high honors grad.

April 25, 2018

He truly was an incredible person.

Brian Daley

August 9, 2014

I think about him often. His presence is close, but still miss him like hell.

August 9, 2014

On days like these, I wish you were here to for some much needed conversation and guidance. But because you have been constantly on my mind lately, I realize that you are... I miss you my friend.

Maricarmen Jenckes

August 7, 2014

He was funny and wise. He had a sparkling gleam in his eyes. Father Murphy was good hearted. He had a good amount of knowledge to pass on to the rest of us.

Michael Tobin

November 28, 2013

God Bless you Fr. Murphy. I am fortunate to have known you and sorry I didn't get a chance to say thank you one final time. Rest in Peace Murph. Your friend, Tobs

Christian Montesi

July 18, 2013

Take the time to reconnect with lost contacts. Father Murphy was everything to me, and I'm just finding about his passing 7 years too late. I'm sorry old friend. Thank you for everything. Peace & Love.

September 1, 2009

Miss you buddy.

Sean O'Leary

August 29, 2007

In 1992, as a Boston College sophomore, I unfortunately showed no savviness whatsoever in sporting a Georgetown T-shirt the first day of classes. Fortunately, however, I did have enough luck to end up in Murph’s packed European History class in McGuinn. Even more fortunate, as it turned out, as I was walking out of class, Murph spotted the T-shirt and said “You know that Georgetown was founded the same year that the U.S. Constitution took effect.” Within weeks, I found myself in the Rec Plex chasing around a racquetball that a goggled Murph sprayed around the court with precision. Based on the number of walls that broke a couple of my falls while unsuccessfully trying to keep up, I was, as Murph observed, a “diver” – or, in his unmistakable Boston accent, a “divah”.

So began a three-year series of weekly Sunday round-robin racquetball tournaments during which Murph would demonstrate, for me and my roommates, how his experience on the court would trump our college youth every time. Equally as important, after racquetball, Murph showed us how a college budget just might include dinner at Tony’s Villa . . . if you hit the early-bird specials; or how a trip every now and then to Jamaica Plain, to Doyle’s Cafe, was definitely worthwhile ... provided we could convince Murph to give us the history behind the local characters on the wall mural.

All Murph had to do was mention a three-week, three-credit European Experience class in Belgium to me and a couple of roommates, and we were there. In meeting Murph at the Paris train station, we were competitively determined, upon turning the corner, to give Murph his patented thumbs-up before he did. We lost, again.

Murph then proceeded to give us a walking tour of Paris, his second favorite city, that would take most travelers three-to-four days. Still, at the end of the day – during which, we later calculated, we walked twelve miles – it was Murph who led the way up the steep hill to Sacre Coeur.

The next day, in classic Murph fashion, as our group was entering Notre Dame Cathedral for Sunday mass, Murph mentioned that we “should go inside and sit down” as he “had to take care of something”. As mass began, and we wondered where Murph could be, it hit us: he was celebrating the Mass, with the Bishop of Paris … in French! Again, in classic Murph fashion, he dedicated the mass to a B.C. graduate who had joined our tour for the day as he was waiting for a flight back to the U.S. after his father’s death that morning.

Farewell Murph. You were a mentor and great friend to us all.

Jeanne O'Leary

August 28, 2007

On the 1st Anniversary of Father Murphy's entrance into his eternal life, I am most grateful to have known him as a friend to all the O'Learys'. His impact as a mentor and Professor to our 2 B.C. graduates(1995 and 2000)will continue for their lives. May his family continue to know the many blessings he bestowed on countless people. Thank you, Father, for showing us the Way!

Brian Daley

August 27, 2007

Once, in a card, Frankie included the following quote. Not one to quote himself, I thought it worth repeating and sharing with all of you:
"The best preparation for tomorrow is to do what we are called upon to do today as well as we can."
(signed "F.M.")

Amen, Frank. And thanks for showing us how.

Matt Vossler

August 24, 2007

Murph,

My mentor at BC and in life - always encouraging and upbeat, your greatest gift was to teach us all to be "Men (and Women) for others".

The World misses you!

Much love,

Matt Vossler
BC '84

George MacKoul

October 25, 2006

Fr. Murphy was an amazing soul. He was always there to help, and he "walked the walk". I was a graduate student in 1983 and he was instrumental in helping get through the program. I had vertually no contact with Fr. Murphy for over 20 years, as I moved to California. I called him in 2000, to help a California student visit and attend B.C., which he assisted with a private visit. I was amazed that he remembered me by name and conversations we had 20 years prior. An amazing soul, my heart goes out to all his family and friends.

Scott Parker

September 26, 2006

Father Murphy was a teacher, mentor and friend while I was at BC and beyond. He will always be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, sense of humor and most of all his humanity.

George Forte

September 21, 2006

I had the priveledge to know Fr. Murphy both at Nazareth Family Center (1982) and at the Italian Home for Children (1980-present) where he also gave his time and glorious patience with children. He celebrated Mass there with us many a Sunday. As the sentiments above reflect, his warmth truly reflected Christ's love. That continues forever now as he walks in His Garden, hand in Hand.

Paul Carty Sr.

September 16, 2006

I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to family and friends of "Fr.Murph" on behalf of my daughter Nelle (BC '98) whom he encouraged to do her third year of studies abroad and gratefully remembers his personal caring and enthusiasm. May Our Lord grant you an abundance of consolation, mindful of his beauiful life of service and love.



Paul J. Carty Sr.-HC '57 BC Ed '66

Houston, Texas

David Marble

September 15, 2006

I just learned of Murph's death, and I am reeling as my heart alternately grieves at the loss of this wonderful soul and rejoices for having known him. He was the finest and most selfless man I have ever known, bar none. We became friends my sophomore year at BC in 1980, and for that good fortune I have been constantly grateful. Murph enriched my life in an unfailingly holy, Christ-like way; always wise, caring, compassionate, humorous and down-to-earth, like no one else I have known. Well, Murph ... looks like you're in the upstairs office now, and again we are all lined up in the hallway outside your door. Proud to be there. See you again when the time comes ... and, yes, go ahead and reserve a racquetball court.

DIANNE DUPONT

September 15, 2006

GOD BLESS THE FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW

Bob MacLaverty

September 13, 2006

My condolences to the Murphy Family. I first met Fr. Murphy back in 1974 during my freshman year at BC. Our friendship remains one of my most cherished college experiences. He truly had a gift of making someone feel they were his closest friend, and at the time he was with you, you were.

Chris Serico

September 12, 2006

Farewell to a class act



I was saddened to learn that one of my absolute favorite college professors, Fr. Frank Murphy, passed away at age 71 on Aug. 28.



Although I was about as likely to be a history major as I was to study rocket science, Father Murphy made every Western Civ class I took fascinating and fun, all while narrating with the most endearing, soft-spoken New England accent. In and out of class, his sense of humor was evident, and he took as much interest in his students as he did his curriculum.



I took Father Frank's classes for two straight semesters early in my college career, including a smaller discussion group that met once weekly. After class one day, Murphy pulled me aside and encouraged me to volunteer to read books for the blind, citing my

Joe Creamer (on behalf of the Creamer family)

September 12, 2006

My sincere condolences to Fr. Murphy's family and friends. Reading these entries, I am overwhelmed that one man could have so many good friends and that his little acts of kindness could be remembered so clearly so many years later. Although I didn't know Fr. Murphy well, the few times I spoke with him I felt like we had been old friends. May God grant him eternal rest and may perpetual light shine upon him.

Jane and Tim Buckley

September 9, 2006

Joan and Ann - Our sincere condolences on the loss of your great brother, Frank. Our families have been joined together for so many years at Regis and Holy Cross. We are grateful for the friendship and memories we all shared. May he rest in the peace of our saving Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

Peace and love,

Diego Grinberg-Funes, MD

September 9, 2006

Like all of you, my thoughts run through my head helter-skelter, of all the great moments I shared with Frank,and how each and every one of those moments were made better by Frank's presence. At the end of our

freshman year, the BC community lost one of its finest students and I

my friend, as he drove home from school for the summer. The sudden

death of my friend was a great shock, as this was the first time I had ever lost a friend. We had all just finished having a great first year at BC. That's when I first met Frank in 1974 in Philadelphia for my

friend's funeral. Without having known him beforehand, he helped my

friends and myself then, just as he has continued to do either through

his presence or his influence ever since.He taught me how to be

patient, try to undersatnd, and have faith. It was amazing to me how

someone with so much wisdom and holiness, could however, still be so

human, just like the rest of us.

They broke the mold. There never will be another Francis Murphy. We did all love you Frank. God bless you. God bless your family and friends.Thanks for being here for all of us, and may you rest in peace in the hands of the lord

Joe Popolizio

September 6, 2006

When I first met "Murph" at the edge of the Dust Bowl at B.C. in March 1983, I did not know then that he would become my faculty advisor for the next 3 years. I did not know then that he would marry my wife Sue and me eleven years later. But I certainly did not know that Murph would become my mentor and confidant for the next twenty three years. Looking back, I don’t doubt that Murph may very well have. Like the many others Murph mentored, I needed some guidance. Luckily, guidance was one of Murph’s many fortes. Murph was one of a kind. When I graduated from B.C., I was sad that I would not be able to see him often. But Murph assured me that he would never be more than a phone call, drive or flight away. And for me and countless others, he never was. I will miss our frequent conversations as I commuted to and from my office. I will miss the joy that I would experience when he called me to catch up. I will miss the way everything was about everyone but him and the challenge that I would have to get him to speak about himself. And I will certainly miss how he made everything appear to be so simple. Murph, you believed in me and I owe my success to you. You were the best friend, teacher and mentor

anyone could ever hope for. Someday we will meet again. Until then, I will remain your friend and biggest fan and I will strive to live my life by your example. Love, your buddy,

Joe Popolizio, B.C. '86

James McLaughlin (BC '05)

September 5, 2006

Father Murphy was a wonderful priest, teacher and friend. I had the pleasure of meeting Father Murphy during my Freshman year European History class. He started every class with great stories that filled the lecture hall in Cushing with laughter. He inspired in me a love and appreciation of history. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Duke Maloney

September 5, 2006

It was never "Father" or "Professor" it was always "Murph" who guided me for more than the 4 years I spent at BC as a history major. He was my mentor, teacher, priest and friend. He made Boston College a sepcial place for me to grow and learn a lot more than just history. His office hour's lines were always a mile long but he somehow managed to upset no one when he pulled me to the front of the line so I would not be late for swim/diving team practice. The uninterupted visits I had with him at the Nazareth Orphanage and Mt St. Vincents, as well as lunches, dinners, and long walks were treasured by me b/c his schedule was always in high demand for his time. Yet he managed to make me feel like he had all the time in the world for me. His intellect, humor, judgment, humility and grace were true models for me to admire and strive for. His Mass was always extremely relevant for modern times woven with the traditional teachings of Christ. I was so grateful for my 25 year friendship with him and that I was able to have lunch with him and some classmates last year where I was able to give him a retirement gift of a globe of Connemara marble that read "World Historian, Teacher, Mentor, Spiritual Advisor, "MURPH" forever grateful, Duke Maloney." I will miss your annual St. Patrick's Day phone call and your French salutation, mon ami. I will remember you forever miss you.

Peg Kelley

September 3, 2006

Joan,

I am so sorry. We will always remember Frank doing the graveside prayers at Ginny's interment.

Love, Peg Vincent Kelley

david conlon

September 3, 2006

My first introduction to Father Murphy was when he was assigned to Blessed Sacrament Parish (Cambridge) in the sixties. I and my family will always fondly remember his kindness, thought provoking discussions, and deep concern for us as Catholics and as a family. Truly we are blessed for having known such a decent man of God. All blessings to his family at this time.

September 1, 2006

Father Murphy epitomized my Boston College experience. He embodied the best of what BC is about: Learning, Faith, Compassion, all with a good dose of humor and a smile. He's the only person I've ever met who could teach a 200-person lecture and have a personal relationship with seemingly half the class. I remember hearing of his reputation and eagerly wanting to take his European History class. I had no intention of trying to get to know him personally, but I guess those who make differences in lives just find a way, and Fr. Murphy did in mine. I'm a better person today because of that.



Dan Touhey

BC '90

Aimee Devereux

August 31, 2006

My heartfelt condolences to Fr. Murphy's family. He was so dearly loved by all his BC students. Among many other invaluable things, he taught an incredible Twentieth Cenutry Europe class with Prof. Heinemann. Fr. Murphy always began class with a moving story about the children at Nazareth House. It would bring the carefree college existence to a screeching halt and effectively anchor the class into what I now believe his real message was -- to encourage us to make our own history in this life in keeping with the spirit of God's love. Fr. Murphy also taught my two brothers, Clarke (BC 84) and Doyle (BC 88) -- so we were able to have plenty of laughs about our large Irish families! I will dearly miss him but feel so grateful to have known him. God Bless you Fr. Murphy and Thank you!

Fathew Matthew Powell, O.P.

August 31, 2006

I had the privilege of meeting Father Murphy only once, at a lecture he gave on Pere Jacques at Providence College. He did, however, have an impact on me by introducing me to Pere Jacques through his lecture and his outstanding biography of the saintly Carmelite that he kindly autographed for me. I extend my condolences to all of Father Frank's family. I will remember him and his family in my Masses.

Jeff DeVasto

August 31, 2006

Oh heart, if one should say to you that the soul perishes like the body, answer that the flower withers, but the seed remains.



While Father Murphy will certianly be missed, all of his blessings and generosity towards my family will never be forgotten.

Doreen Gondola

August 31, 2006

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Murphy family. My husband introduced me to Fr. Murphy. It was an honor to know a man like him. My husband and I both volunteered at Nazareth Home for Children where Fr. Murphy was Chaplain. He married my husband(Ray) and I in 1980. We have been blessed ever since. I feel blessed for having know him. Thank you Fr. Murphy for what you brought to our lives.

Brendan Sullivan

August 30, 2006

To a wonderful friend and mentor. You are remembered so fondly by so many and will be deeply, deeply missed. Farewell Fr. Murph.

Raymond Gondola

August 30, 2006

Father

Murphy married my wife and I in 1980. Since 1970, when I met him at Sacred Heart in Newton, he was a great

friend to me and a noble tennis opponent. I will miss him immensely.

Linda Farrell Walker BC '83, BC Law '86

August 30, 2006

Father Murphy was loved by so many and extraordinary in every sense of the word. In a world where "true" people are hard to find - he was one. He inspired all those who knew him to be that much better. My heartfelt sympathy to his family.

Chuck Abdella

August 30, 2006

Father Murphy was tremendous History professor (I graduated from BC in 1996) and an even better human being. He cared about his students--there is no better tribute for a teacher than that. My deepest condolences to his family on the passing of this great man.

Beth (Civetti) Crea

August 30, 2006

It seems so many BC students from the 70's remember Father Frank Murphy with the same genuine fondness that he bestowed upon us. I will always remember his infectious laughter, his gentle guidance and his genuine interest. All these years later, I remember my visits to Nazareth. I marvel now at Fr. Frank's ability to minister to children of all ages - - some very young and others just teetering on adulthood. Never a history buff, I actually came to apppreciate and truly enjoy the subject thanks to him. Father Frank is now safely home in the arms of the Lord.

Peter DeVasto

August 30, 2006

"Our Father"



His eyes so calm and full of love as he looks over his children. His hand poised as always, he starts to speak...All ears are perked as he shares his thoughts, his wisdom, his faith.

To listen...to dream...of a world he sees, the world he strives for. His gentle manner conquers the strongest prejudice and the deepest hate. He has been here for a thousand years, he has watched the history of the ages and has stored its wisdom in his eyes. That twinkle, a glimmer of what he knows, of what you may one day discover with an open mind. He smiles because he believes in you, at times more than you believe in yourself. He offers not the hardened facts of life, but the beauty of faith and the hope for a better us. Our father will live forever.

Clarke Devereux

August 30, 2006

Fr. Murphy was an absolutely wonderful person and simply the best teacher I had in my entire life. An all too rare combination of intelligance, humility and humor who always made Boston College the best it could be.



And God help you if you split an infinitive on his final exam ...

Fr. Donald MacMillan, SJ

August 30, 2006

Prayers and condolences to the Murphys. I first met Frank at Nazareth many years back. He cared for those residents as well as the Mother Seton Guild of which my mother was president for a while. He was always warm and friendly. Then when I was assigned to BC, we spoke frequently and had many a good laugh. I came to know that his students loved him. Not a surprise. May he rest in the peace of our loving God.

Paula Forget

August 30, 2006

To the Murphy and Raffa families: Fr. Murphy meant so much to my family over the years. He was always there for us, especially for my mother and father.

I am saddened by his passing, but encouraged that he will take his rightful place in heaven.

Dan Leahy

August 30, 2006

Father "Smile"....what else is there to say about this stand up admirable guy. May he rest in peace.

Marie McHugh

August 30, 2006

Fr. Frank Murphy was a beloved colleague and friend at Boston College from the 70's. As Associate Dean I was in awe of his devotion to students, and wise advice, especially to aspiring law school candidates. As a one time History professor sharing the same field I learned from this wonderful teacher, and gained immeasurably from his sharing of books and ideas. The picture on this notice reflects so much of him it is scary. We will all miss this brilliant, simple, holy man. I am sure his Mass will be packed. I only wish I could be there.

The Cianfrocca Family

August 30, 2006

Our heartfelt condolences to the Murphy family. We are all so saddened by this news. Fr. Murphy touched us all in many ways. I remember Fr. Murphy as a kind and gentle person who spent many hours with me and my friends at Star of The Sea Parish in East Boston. I served many masses for him and we both always sat after mass just to talk. He always had time for me and my friends, we are all better people today because of it. He knew and taught both my children at Boston College. They both felt very lucky to have him as one of their professors. He guided both of them no matter what the subject. He has been in my life since 1962 and in my family's lives as well. We were all blessed to have him as a friend. He will be missed by all of us but he will remain in our lives through the memories and his compassionate spirit.

Jeanne Flecca

August 30, 2006

Sincere sympathy to the Murphy and Raffa families.

Jeanne and Joe Flecca

Mary Devlin (Tenca)

August 30, 2006

I was very fortunate to know Fr. Murphy at Boston College and to have him celebrate my marriage and the baptisms of my first two sons. My condolences to his family on the loss of this great man.

Peg and Frank Kelley

August 30, 2006

Dear Joanie and Ann,

So sorry our prayers are with you and your family.

Peggia and Frank Kelley

Fr. John Sullivan, OCD

August 30, 2006

Beyond our relationship of Publisher to author (since Fr. Murphy did two books about Pere Jacques for ICS Publications) I was privileged to know a real man of God--empathic, compassionate, and always encouraging. He will be missed by me personally and all the Carmelites (here and abroad) whom he graced with his friendship. R.I.P.

The Staff of Brady & Fallon Funeral Home

August 30, 2006

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Ellen Friedman

August 30, 2006

Frank and I were colleagues at BC for more than 25 years--he was definitely one of the good guys and he will be missed. There aren't many like him.

Maryanne Murphy Daley

August 29, 2006

Frankie has been a presence in my life for as long as I can remember. He was there for my family through good times,(marriages, christenings,graduations, birthdays etc.)and difficult times(sickness and death).

I'll never forget his heartfelt blessing at my recent birthday celebration. His words will stay with me forever. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Brian Daley

August 29, 2006

Fr. Frank, or "Frankie", was a relative, a mentor and a friend. A man of intellect, humor and faith, all of which he shared freely and lovingly, his love for God was most evident in his love for other people. He epitomized grace and class in a selfless and humble manner - comfortable in the capitals of Europe, while never forgetting his roots ("a kid from Misssion Hill"). What a shining example he was for his friends and family, students and colleagues, and all of those lucky enough to cross his path. He will be sorely missed, yet I am grateful to God for the great blessing that he was in my life and many others. Such blessings do not die. Pere Jacques I am sure has been waiting for this moment, and no doubt God is happy to have him back. We love you, Frankie.

Matthew Vossler

August 29, 2006

Fr Murphy was truly an excellent educator,a great friend, and a man for others...and taught us all (always with a smile and such positive energy) the importance of living a life of service.

Mary and Rich Piccolo

August 29, 2006

Fr. Murphy was one of the most important and influential people in our lives. He did walk the walk of Our Lord Jesus Christ. He was so full of love and kindness and he had a radical openess to those in need. He was our teacher, our counselor, mentor, spiritual guide and in all of that he was our friend. Fr. Murphy lived a life full of academic achievement and was a gifted professor but it was the tour of the Cambridge bookstores and trips to the Gardner Museum always followed by ice cream that bonded a friendsip that lasted well beyond the BC years. We both volunteered at Nazareth where he did the most important work for a community of workers and children who needed to know that God loved them no matter what circumstances had brought them to this place. Our marriage, the baptism of our children and life's many challenges were blessed by having Fr. Frank Murphy as our friend. When Frank said a closing mass in Mod 7B (1976 )he wove a quote into his homily that really holds just as much meaning on this day as it did then, " No love, no friendship, can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark upon it forever."


Francios Mauriac


Fr. Frank Murphy was a great man who ministered in an extraordinary way to everyone of us who were fortunate to have crossed his path. Our sincere sympathy to his wonderful family.

Mike Ciriello

August 29, 2006

God blessed us and made our lives so much richer by his presence. I trust that his laughter will resonate in my ears for as long as I am alive; I pray that I will have the strength to continue his unselfish gift of unconditional love and let this be his legacy to all who come to know "Murph" through me.

Karen (Michaud) Moran

August 29, 2006

My deepest sympathy to Father Murphy's beloved family and friends. Father Murphy was my history professor at B.C.in the 70's, and the most influential teacher I have ever had. He took a personal interest in his students, and made me believe in myself. Besides being a brilliant and inspiring teacher, he was an outstanding priest and human being. I vividly recall attending a mass he celebrated at the Nazareth Home, and how lovingly he interacted with the children there. I am grateful to have been able to know him. I am sure he is in heaven, smiling down on us all.

Lou Catano

August 29, 2006

Fr. Murphy dedicated his life to children and his legacy will live on at The Cape House.

Carl & Mary DeVasto

August 29, 2006

Father Murphy was a man for all seasons. He was a wonderful man and we will deeply miss him. Our prayers will always be with him.

Mary Ciriello

August 29, 2006

Father Murphy has been a dear friend to our whole family, marrying my brothers, my sister, and me, and baptizing all of our children. He has helped us through many hard times and was always there for us. God Bless him. We loved him and will miss him.

Rich Quinlan

August 29, 2006

Father Murphy will be missed by many, but his influence will live on for generations. For those of us who got to know him while students at Boston College during the 1970s, he was a man of great faith and an inspirational teacher. He provided solid guidance and leadership during our formative years, as well as demonstrating a passion for life and learning. Most importantly, to many of us he became a great friend throughout our lives and someone we shared our joys and sorrows with over the years. I will always feel indebted to him for the foundation he gave me as a person as I departed Boston College. I know that I am not alone with this gratitude. On behalf of myself, and so many others scattered throughout the world that he influenced, but may not be able to be with his family at this unfortunate time, I express our sympathies and sorrows to you. He will, however, never be forgotten by those of us he provided such profound guidance and influence to over the years. He truly made his mark on many during his lifetime.






Richard Quinlan BC'80, BC Law- Mgmt.'84






Hingham, MA.

Kevin OMalley

August 29, 2006

Fr. Frank and I have had a friendship for over 30 years. First as a student at BC and through the years in Wellesley. He celebrated three weddings in our family including mine in Chicago. He was the best friend a person could have. I will miss our lunches and his homilies. Fr. Frank exemplifies what it means to be a priest. To his family I send my condolences. Fr. Frank now takes his rightful place with the Lord that he has so well served. Kevin O'Malley

Tony Esteves

August 29, 2006

Beloved Father Murphy helped my family and I so much over the years. I am deeply sorry I could not see him more often. My family (the Esteves Family) will miss him very much and never forget what he has done for us.

Patricia Guenther(strimple)

August 29, 2006

Back in the 1970's when I was a brand new Catholic and a grad student at B.C. Fr Murphy helped me through some very tough times in my personal life. He was also very kind and loving to my little girl whom I often brought to school. I was a philosophy student and he happened to have his office near ours. I remember he was kind, gentle, brilliant and loving towards all the students and faculty.

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Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

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