David B. Murphy

David B. Murphy, 86, of Sun City Center, Florida, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Saint Joseph Hospital-South, Riverview, Florida. He was the beloved husband of Mary E. (Goddard) Murphy, with whom he had recently celebrated 65 years of marriage.
Born and raised in Rhode Island, David was a longtime resident of East Greenwich before living in Italy, Louisiana, and ultimately settling in Florida, where he enjoyed the past 25 years. A proud graduate of La Salle Academy, Providence, Rhode Island, David enlisted in the United States Navy, serving honorably aboard the USS Randolph. After returning home, he attended Rhode Island College and began a distinguished career in HVAC sheet metal engineering, working with Lutz Engineering before founding his own company, Columbus Engineering, which he operated for many years. He later owned and operated Amcap Building Company, a general contracting firm known for quality and craftsmanship. After closing Amcap, David embarked on a new adventure working as an environmental engineer officer in Capodichino, Italy. As ardent travelers, David and Mary spent most of their free time visiting every corner of Europe, time permitting. Throughout his life, David continued to serve his country in the U.S. Navy Reserve (Seabees), where he rose proudly to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. His lifelong dedication to service extended into his civilian life through his leadership and volunteerism.
A man of faith and community, David was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus for over 60 years, achieving the rank of Fourth Degree Knight and serving as Past Grand Knight for both Warwick Council and St. Joseph's Council. He was also an active member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), where he chaired numerous charity golf tournaments supporting veterans and their families. David was passionate about many things in life-a talented bowler, a dedicated horseman who raised Appaloosas, and a past president of the Rhode Island Appaloosa Association. But above all, he found his greatest joy on the golf course. Over the years, he was a proud member of several clubs, including Potowomut Golf Club, Caloosa Golf and Country Club, and Linederhof Country Club, and often recounted his favorite achievement: his unforgettable hole-in-one. David's memorable hole-in-one was a favorite achievement. David's life was defined by faith, integrity, humor, loyalty, and love for his family.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary, and their three daughters: Mary (James) Marcello, Carleen (Caple) Spence, and Patricia (Raymond) Williams. He was a cherished papa to David (Lindsay), Cristina, Harrison, Conrad, Chase, Austin, Quinn, and Cole, and a proud great-grandfather to Adelina. He also leaves behind a sister, June Tombs, and a brother, Stephen Murphy. He was predeceased by his sister, Beverly Martin, and brother Edward Murphy.
Calling hours for David will be held on THURSDAY, November 13th, from 5:00-7:00PM at the Frank P. Trainor & Sons Funeral Home, 982 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, Rhode Island. David's funeral will be held on SATURDAY, November 15th, beginning from the Frank P. Trainor & Sons Funeral Home at 9:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at Saint Timothy's Church, 1799 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, Rhode Island. Burial with full military honors will take place at Saint Ann Cemetery, Cranston, Rhode Island. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to David's memory to a veterans' charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared at http://www.trainorfhcom.