Joseph Leo Brophy

Marblehead - Joseph Leo Brophy (91), of Marblehead, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026 at the Residence at Vinnin Square in Swampscott. Born in Boston, Joseph was the son of the late Mary (Dwyer) and Joseph C. Brophy.

Joe grew up in Hyde Park and attended Boston College High School, graduating in the class of 1952. He went on to attend Northeastern University where he graduated in 1957 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Ever a learner, he continued his education at Northeastern and graduated with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering (1964) and a Masters in Engineering Management (1969). Joe served in the Army National Guard from 1957 to 1960.

Upon graduation, Joe worked for various defense contractors with the federal government that included General Electric in Lynn, iTek Corporation, Sanders Associates and Lockheed Martin. One of his proudest accomplishments was being on the project team that built the cameras that photographed the surface of Mars during NASA’s Viking Landing 1 and 2 missions in 1976.

Although work was a part of his life, his true love and passion was his family. Early in his adulthood, Joe met the love of his life Catherine “Kay” (Mortimer). They were married in 1959 and settled in Marblehead where they raised five children. He was devoted to his eight grandchildren and loved to attend their many sporting events and activities.

An active member of the Marblehead community, he enjoyed acting in plays at Marblehead Little Theatre and engineering the stages and sets for various shows. For many summers he played in the men’s softball league for Hartley’s Heroes as a catcher. He and Kay were fixtures on Devereaux Beach in the summers. After retirement, he became an active participant in the Marblehead Council on Aging (COA), particularly the COA Men’s Group as well as the Northeastern at Noon alumni group. Many remember Joe for his quick wit and intelligence. As a lifelong learner, he was an avid Jeopardy fan and would take time before the show aired to quiz himself and those around him.

Joe is survived by his children, Kathleen Brophy and her husband William Novick of Merrimac, MA, Mark Brophy and his wife Mary of Tulsa, OK, Michael Brophy and his wife Maura of Abington, MA, Patrick Brophy and his wife McHala of Worcester, MA, Gael Saulnier and her husband Christopher of Marblehead, MA; his grandchildren Kaylind and Shaylind Novick, Maeve Brophy, William and Kathryn Brophy, Rachael, Kyle and Leah Saulnier; his sister-in-law Angeline Mortimer of North Port, FL and many nieces and nephews.

Joe was predeceased by his wife of 59 years Catherine Brophy (Mortimer) and his sister Patricia Lewis.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. Salem, MA. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave, Marblehead at 10:30 a.m. Gifts of remembrance in his honor can be made to Marblehead Dollars for Scholars. For more information or online guestbook, please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.