Richard Murphy

1933 - 2015

Richard Joseph Murphy, 81

MARLBOROUGH - Richard Joseph Murphy, 81, has passed away. Born February 14, 1933, he was the son of the late Francis A. Murphy and Marcella (Gartland) Murphy in Yonkers, NY. Richard lived many years in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. Richard is survived by two loving siblings, Margaret Peluso of Goodyear AZ and Joseph E. Murphy of Woodbine, MD.

Richard was predeceased by sisters Loretto Davis of Bellevue NJ and Madge Mitten of Punta Gorda FL, as well as his loving wife of 58 years, Ann Waters Murphy in 2013, and their beloved son, Timothy Richard Murphy in 2000.

Richard leaves many who love him, including his wife Virginia (Jinnie) Poaletti Murphy of Winterville NC, two daughters, Monica Ann O'Donnell and her husband Edwin O'Donnell, of Ambler PA, Maura Murphy Hogan of Worcester MA, and his son, Mark Richard Murphy and his wife, Ann (Polymeros) Murphy, of West Boylston MA.

Pop will be lovingly remembered by his four grand-daughters, Ryan Ann and Meghan Josephine Hogan of Worcester MA, Rachel Ann and Alexandra (Ally) Murphy of West Boylston MA. Pop especially loved and enjoyed his 7 year old great-grandson, Dakota Troy Hogan of Worcester MA, as well as his many nieces and nephews with whom Richard shared some wonderful relationships.

Dick attended Hastings high school and graduated from Stepinac High School in White Plains NY. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1951, becoming a Sergeant in the First Marines and serving as cartographer during the Korean War. Upon his return, he proposed to Helen Ann Waters, of Ithaca New York and began the family that holds him close to this day.

Dick attended Manhattan College while working and raising his family. He received his degree in 1961 with three of his children in attendance. He excelled in accounting and sales. Dick worked at GLF and Agway in Ithaca, New York. Dick spent many successful years in business management and sales at IBM, which brought the family to many new locations in and around New England.

In the 1980's Dick joined Digital Equipment Corporation in Maynard MA, where he continued to experience success in his career and where he and Ann became part of the community of Marlborough, MA that lasted more than 30 years.

Before and during retirement, Dick enjoyed exploring a variety of interests, which included gardening, camping, wood carving, bird watching, basket making, cooking, bread-making and volunteering. He was a man who always did the next right thing. In recent years Dick enjoyed painting landscapes, barns, harbor scenes and nature.

Dick was always a man devoted to his family and doing what is right. He loved being involved in his children's and grandchildren's lives, leaving a legacy of memories that include picnicking , strawberry picking, organizing family gatherings and lots of wonderful walks and talks.

He will be dearly missed by many, including the woman who brought new joy to his life in his most recent months, Jinnie Poaletti Murphy. They wed in October 2014 and our appreciation of Jinnie is lifelong. In the Spring of 2014 Richard opened his mind and his spirit to include investigating and joining the Church of Latter Day Saints. This decision was thoughtful and positive and brought much peace to Dad in the months before his passing.

Arrangements are scheduled for this Saturday, January 31st, at 11am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 240 Hemenway St Marlborough MA. All are welcome to join in celebration of Richard's life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Our Father's Table; P.O. Box 916 Marlborough MA 01752