Michael S. Murphy

Michael Shawn Murphy, "lil man," 35, a lifelong resident of Wakefield died Sunday, September 25 at home from an accidental overdose which was the result of years of battling depression and addiction. Born in Melrose on August 21, 1981 he was the son of Janice L. Murphy of Wakefield. Mikey was raised in Connecticut until the age of 12 when he moved to Wakefield. He was a graduate of Wakefield High School, Class of 1999. A hardworking, loving and caring man, Mikey would give you the shirt off his back if you asked. There was never a dull moment when he was around, Mikey's smile could light up a room. In his spare time he enjoyed spending time with his son Shawn and his fiancée Michelle, hanging out with friends, camping, and cooking. In addition to his mother, Mikey is survived by his son Shawn Michael Murphy of Dracut (who is also the son of Michelle Moccia); his grandmother Mary T. Murphy of Wakefield; his grandfather General Grant Murphy, Jr. of Natick; his uncles, Michael Murphy of Oklahoma, Leo Murphy of Florida, and Paul Murphy of Lynnfield; and his aunt Kerri McCloskey of Connecticut. He is also survived by his fiancée Michelle Spagnuolo with whom he had been sharing his life with for the past six years. Mikey was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all those who knew him, especially Peanut and Ashton. His funeral will be held from the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Saturday at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield at 10 o'clock. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Learn to Cope, a non-profit peer-led support network for parents and family members coping with a loved one addicted to opiates or other drugs. Memorial contributions can be made on their website at learn2cope.org or sent to Learn to Cope, 4 Court Street, Suite 110, Taunton, MA 02780.