Paul M. Murphy

Paul Maurice Murphy, 87, of Hingham and Osterville, died peacefully after a long illness on January 22, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Brockton, MA, he was the son of the late Judge Maurice J. Murphy and the late Edith (Saxton). His siblings, Denise Claire Stone and John Saxton Murphy, pre-deceased him. After attending St. Patrick's School, he graduated from Thayer Academy in 1950 where his performance as Professor Willard in the school production of Our Town is still legendary. He graduated from Williams College in 1954, an English major, a crafty southpaw on the baseball team and a member of the Sigma Phi Fraternity. He served in the US Air Force as a Second Lieutenant, piloting one of the Air Force's first jet powered combat aircraft, the P-80 "Shooting Star." After teaching at the Eaglebrook School, he attended Boston University Law School, attaining his juris doctor in 1959. He joined his father in private practice representing a broad and eclectic group of clients. Seeking to serve his community, he was elected a State Representative in the Massachusetts Legislature where he served the people of Brockton for 14 years, including a time as Assistant Majority Leader. Throughout his public service, he championed progressive causes, social justice legislation to support working people, equity and fairness for all, and city improvements. He followed his father to the bench when he was appointed by President George H. W. Bush as an Administrative Law Judge in the Social Security Administration. He served 25 years, retiring at the age of 80. Meeting Paul was unforgettable; his ready wit, incisive intellect, and great story telling was only a small part of his charm. A sailor for over 80 years, he loved spending time on, near, or in the ocean. Over the years, you may have found him sailing, along with friends, children or grandchildren, the waters of Onset Bay, Butler's Cove or the five bays surrounding Osterville. At different times his fleet included skiffs, catboats, sloops and, most proudly, his vintage Herreshoff Buzzards Bay 15, Vim. He had a great humility and optimism; when he captained the winner of the Figawi, an annual sailing regatta from Hyannis to Nantucket, the only person surprised was himself. A true gentleman, his compassion, optimism, sense of humor, and kindness have inspired many and will leave a great hole with his passing. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 56 years Marcia (McGahan) and four children: Sarah Brown Murphy of Cotuit, Mass., Charles and his wife Sarah (Geary) Murphy of Hingham, MA, Emily (Murphy) Doyle and her husband Kevin Doyle of Santa Monica, CA, and Andrew and his wife Karen (Feury) Murphy of Rutherford, N.J.; 9 grandchildren: Caitlin, Sean and Elizabeth Murphy; Grace, John, and Claire Doyle; and Erin, Maeve, and Matthew Murphy. Visiting hours will be held at the John-Lawrence Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Road, Marstons Mills on Thursday, January 30, 2020, 4 p.m .- 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2020 at Our Lady of the Assumption, 76 Wianno Ave, Osterville with burial to follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Fuller Craft Museum, 455 Oak Street, Brockton, MA 02301 or the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro South, 233 Warren Avenue, Brockton, MA, 02301. For online guest book and directions please visit www.johnlawrencefuneralhome.com.