IRVING H. MURPHY Jr.

MURPHY, Irving H., Jr. 77, of Rotonda West, FL, formerly of Lakeville, MA, died peacefully at his home on May 17, 2017. He was the loving husband of Esther Murphy, with whom he celebrated 47 years of marriage.

Irving was born in Brockton, MA, on October 30, 1939, son of the late Irving H. Murphy Sr. and Persis E. Murphy. Raised in Middleboro, MA, he graduated from Middleboro High School, Class of 1957. He was brother to Marilyn Fickert of Middleboro, MA, Susan Lanois of North Port, FL, and the late Evelyn Archibald.

Irving had a distinguished and prolific career in journalism. He retired from the Boston Globe in 1999 after 28 years of employment as a staff writer and copy editor. He began his career as a reporter for the New Bedford Standard-Times and briefly published his own local weekly paper, The Inquirer, with his good friend James Thomas. Early in his career, he took a brief leave from journalism to run as the GOP candidate for state representative for the 7th Plymouth District in MA. He also wrote for the Brockton Enterprise and served on the Board of Selectmen in Middleboro, MA.

After retirement, Irving became an avid bridge player; he was a lifetime member of the American Contract Bridge League and a member of the Venice Bridge Club in Venice, FL.

In addition to his wife, Esther, Irving is survived by his children, Pamela Cataloni and her husband, Frank Cataloni of Englewood, FL, and Kerry Murphy of Salem, MA. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Abigail E. Cataloni, Jack M. Cederholm and Tenley M. Cederholm, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Arrangements: A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 27th at 10:30 am at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Englewood, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association (https://donatenow.heart.org/) and to the Redeemer Lutheran Church at 6465 Mayport Street, East Englewood, FL 34224.