Michael Allen Murphy

Michael Allen
Murphy, 62
SOUTH PORTLAND -- Michael Allen Murphy, of South Portland, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, surrounded by his family after a short battle with cancer.
He was born on July 28, 1950, in Portland, the son of Walter G. Murphy and Dorothy Louise Murphy (Day). He was raised and educated in South Portland, and graduated from South Portland High School in 1969. He graduated from Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute (SMCC) with degrees in Automotive Technology and Fire Science.
Michael retired from the South Portland Fire Dept. on Feb. 28, 2008, after 35 years of service. Michael was also a Volunteer Firefighter for Willard Engine and Ladder Company #2 for 46 years starting in 1966, and served for many years at their 1st Lieutenant. He was a member of IAFF Local 1476.
In many years of service for the fire department he received accommodations for his involvement in local schools and helping citizens in emergency situations. On May 22, 1986 he acted with courage to rescue six citizens by aerial ladder from an apartment building fire. On July 15, 2012, he was honored as the Employee of the Month for the city of South Portland for dedication to the department. Mike rarely missed fire calls and in 2011 he made 97 percent of Willard call company calls.
Mike enjoyed watching NASCAR races every Sunday afternoon watching his favorite drivers Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Jr. He also enjoyed camping at Sebago Basin with his family and taking summer vacations to Pennsylvania Amish Country.
Michael was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Dorothy Murphy; his father and mother-in-law, Donald and Arlene Smith; and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Deborah (Smith) Murphy; his sister, Pamela Murphy; his son, Michael W. Murphy, his fiancee Shay Lattari, and daughter, Jami Murphy. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Linda Smith Quinn and husband Les, Lorraine Smith Merrill, and Cheryl Smith Vosmus and husband Craig; his nephews, Donald Vosmus and wife Rae, Gregory Merrill and wife Beth, Neil Tozier and wife Beth, Lance Merrill and wife Jessica, Almond Vosmus, nieces, Lori Palmer and husband Mike, Amy Doherty and husband Todd; and his great-nieces and nephews, Julia, Mikayla, Brenna, Dylan, Isaiah, Cory, Addison, Alicia, Christopher, Madeleine, Ella, Avery, Henry and Walter. He is also survived by his uncle, Albert Hodgkins; God-daughter, Jessica Salway; many special cousins; last but not least, his special companion Snoopy who he always called him his granddog, and family dogs, Teddy and Benny.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. John Reynolds, the staff at Maine Medical Center, Mercy Hospital Palliative Care, VNA Home Health Hospice and as well as the members of the South Portland Fire Department, and Willard Engine and Ladder 2.
Visiting hours will be held from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, with a funeral service will follow from 2-3 p.m., at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland. Interment will be held in the spring at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Cottage Road, South Portland. For online condolences please go to www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.
Michael Allen
Murphy