Kenneth Dunphy Obituary

Kenneth Dunphy, 90
1935 - 2025
Ossipee, NH - Kenneth G. Dunphy Sr. passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, in Ossipee, NH. Born in 1935, he made his home in Swampscott, MA, with his former wife, Janice, and their three children. Starting in the mid-90s, he lived for a time in St. Petersburg, FL, before heading back north to escape the hurricanes. He settled in Ossipee, where he met Peggy O'Sullivan, a loving and much-loved presence for the rest of his life.
Though he served in the US Army and worked several jobs--as a lineman for the telephone company, as a commercial fisherman, and the owner of a tree cutting business--Ken was most proud of his twenty-one-year career as a Massachusetts State Trooper. He spoke little of his experiences on the job, but his pride in service was evident every time he put on the uniform. He kept a scrap book of letters of thanks he received from the citizens he served, a testament to what was important to him.
In his retirement, Ken became a fixture in Ossipee, where he was known to be a man of habit and routine. Daily, he could be found at Rosie's for breakfast and Mountain View Station for dinner. In his final years, Ken lived at the Mountain View Community in Ossipee, where a loving, dedicated and skilled staff took exceptional care of him.
Ken is survived by his daughter, Sharon (Debra Boyden) of Gardner, MA, and his sons, Kenneth, Jr. of Lynn, MA and Andrew (Jeri) of Barrington, RI. He was predeceased by his former wife, Janice, of Lynn, MA.
To the residents and employees at Mountain View Community, thank you for embracing Ken and enriching his life; he was fortunate to have all of you. Never one for pageantry, Ken had no desire for a final service, so to best honor his life, raise a pint of Guinness (or, as in Ken's later years, a bottle of Corona) in his memory. He has now delivered his final "Cheerio!"

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Item on Jun. 5, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Dunphy

9 Entries

Jim Hayford

June 30, 2025

Ken was my neighbor here in Ossipee for almost 16 years. He was a kind hearted man and would often stop to say hello when he passed by on his daily walks with Peggy. He had a special relationship with our dog Durgin, and always bent down for kisses. Rest in peace, Ken! We love you,
The Hayfords

Tom Butler IV

June 11, 2025

My father Tom Butler of Salem. spoke fondly of your father and their happy days on the job!

Bill Lennon

June 7, 2025

Very sad to hear of Ken´s passing - a friend, fellow classmate of the 46th RTT MSP and a great Trooper.
He will be missed by those who knew him.
Bill Lennon Ret MSP

Marty Cohan Deputy Chief Ret. Peabody Police Department

June 7, 2025

First met Ken through my father in law when they worked together at New England Telephone and later on when I started in law enforcement. He was the person who you compared yourself to trying to be the best cop you could be. He set the standard. Always there for you offering any assistance you needed. My condolences to his family.

Gregory Beatrice

June 6, 2025

Growing up in Swampscott there were some people you were aware of, Trooper Dunphy was one of them. I know I was happy he lived in my town ... stand up human being. Quiet and direct always enjoyed my conversations with Mr Dunphy, and the acknowledgement as we passed on the road. God Bless!

Colleen Connor Jones.

June 5, 2025

My dad, Don Connor was a police officer in Swampscott. I remember Mr Dunphy many a time around my dad´s garage or our kitchen table. I have one memory of him that has stuck with me for at least 50 years. He dropped his car off for my dad to take a look at it, and needed a ride home. I was probably 16 and a very new driver at the time and my dad said Colleen will drive you home. I said no you can drive and I´ll drive back. Kenny said no you can drive you´ve got your license. We got in the car he snapped in his seatbelt and so did I. But then I made a move and put the shoulder strap behind me. In his big, booming voice, he turned to me and said what are you doing? I said I hate the shoulder strap it gets in the way. And he said you better wear that shoulder strap, it it´s there to keep you safe. And I´ve kept it there ever since. Thank you, Mr. Dunphy for that life-saving advice. And thank you for the friendship and camaraderie you shared with my dad. - Colleen (Connor) Jones

Marty Dunphy

June 5, 2025

Uncle Kenny was such a huge part of my younger years,
Such a god man and he will be missed

Jerry Caron (Juggar)

June 5, 2025

Grew up in Swampscott with Ken. I remember some of his sayings. We did a lot of things together in our group. Swimming, tennis, baseball, beach. He said "myist all Cretity" ever so often. Lost track of him after Janice.

Elizabeth Gallo

June 5, 2025

To the Dunphy family

Ken and family were our neighbors on Pleasant St in Swampscott we lived on Humphrey St bottom of the hill and the Dunphy's were up the hill, Ken was such a nice man quiet and very repected by all in our neighborhood

Rest in Peace Ken it was a pleasure to have known you.

Betty (Castinetti) Gallo

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results