Charles Malcolm Murphy Jr.

Charles Malcom Murphy Jr., of Chester, Connecticut, beloved husband of Susan D. Murphy died on Wednesday August 9, 2023 at Hartford Hospital. Born January 11, 1948 in Garden City, New York, the son of the late Charles M. Murphy Sr. and Sarah S. Murphy. He is survived by his children Katherine S. Waldman (Everett) of Wellington, Florida, and Peter E. Murphy (Lauren) of San Marcos, California, and stepchildren G.Michael White (Desiree) of North Stonington, Stephen C. White of Killingworth, Daniel P. White of Norwich, Elizabeth A. Phaneuf (Robert) of Norwich, Mary Anne Fusco (Christopher) of Sprague and Catherine A. White of Somersworth, New Hampshire. He leaves behind three siblings, Cyrus R. Murphy (Brigit) of Lyme, Kevin O. Murphy (Nancy) of Old Saybrook, and Sara Dell'Orfano (Daniel) of Georgetown, South Carolina. With his blended family, "Pop" leaves behind his many beloved grandchildren, who lit up his life.

Charlie leaves behind many cherished friends. Gifted with an easy smile, he was thoughtful and kind; a true gentleman. With a firm handshake, he would welcome new acquaintances, making them feel as comfortable as if they were catching up with an old friend. He was genuinely interested to both hear people's stories and share his own.

His family moved to Connecticut when he was seven, and he grew to deeply know and love Lyme, the Connecticut River valley, and it's shoreline waters. The Old Lyme Beach Club became one of his favorite spots, where he particularly enjoyed a high tide swim and connecting with friends. When Charlie was twelve, his love of being on the water truly took sail. He would row across the Connecticut River to sailing lessons at the Pettipaug Yacht Club, where he was still a member. Boatmanship was in his blood, having sailed out of Westhampton Beach on his grandfather's vessels. His love of sailing never left him. Charlie was in his special place at the helm of his sailboat "Cimarron", cruising the waters of New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts with his soul mate, Susan.

Charlie attended Lyme Consolidated School and Eaglebrook School in Deerfield, Massachusetts, for his early education. He then went onto Governor Dummer Academy in South Byfield, Massachusetts, The University of Denver, finishing his B.S. at The University of New Haven. At every level of his academic journey he made lifelong friends.

It was in Denver that Charlie started racing, at the Continental Divide Speedway. Beginning with his Mustang and later his 1967 Camaro Z28 SS, keeping that Camaro until 2020. In later years, Charlie belonged to the Belltown Antique Car Club, where he relished time with friends working on club projects and participating and judging at club car shows.

Charlie lived in Chester for forty-one years and had served on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Charlie's careers varied over the years, and he most enjoyed the ones that created warm relationships with people and allowed him to enjoy the beauty of New England while driving on sales calls.

There are no calling hours. There will be a private burial at the Eight Mile River Cemetery in Lyme.