Patrick J. Murphy

Patrick J. Murphy, master carpenter and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, peacefully passed on to his eternal rest surrounded by his devoted family on March 17, 2026. He was 88 years old.

Pat was born in 1937 in Dunmore, County Galway, Ireland, the second of 12 children of James and Nellie Murphy (née Conway). Pat became an apprentice carpenter at a young age, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather before him. After completing his apprenticeship, Pat worked for seven years in England and Wales before immigrating to Boston in 1961.

Soon after, he met a beautiful Cavan girl at the State Ballroom in Boston. Betty Morris was his partner in love and life. They married in 1965 at Saint Peter’s church in Dorchester and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2025. Pat and Betty lived in Dorchester before moving to Quincy in 1974. They settled in on Elm Ave in Wollaston where they raised their family for the next fifty years - creating a warm, loving home and countless special memories over the decades.

Throughout Pat's life, he would frequently return to Ireland, visiting his extended family and many friends. In later years, he took great pleasure bringing his children and grandchildren on visits to Ireland, where they continued to create wonderful memories.

Pat was a master carpenter and worked hard for over 70 years in the trade that he loved. He was a member of Carpenter's Union Local 67 and was very proud to be awarded his 35-year pin in 2025. He enjoyed mentoring younger carpenters and helping them to learn the skills needed to succeed. Pat was a role model to many - an example of hard work, fine craftmanship and the importance of a job done well.

Pat touched many lives through his community engagement. For many years, he and Betty were involved in running the monthly Irish dances at St. Ann’s in Wollaston, bringing together friends and neighbors to enjoy an evening of Irish music. When his children were young, Pat actively participated in the Quincy Track Club, where he helped run dozens of meets at Veterans Memorial Stadium and was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Pat was an avid sports supporter, developing great passion in particular for the New England Patriots. But his devotion always remained for Galway football and hurling. He was an ardent GAA fan and watched all the games live from Ireland every weekend. Pat was also a member of the Kerry Football Club, where he made many happy memories and lifelong friends.

For Pat Murphy, the most important thing of all was family. Through his example, he taught his children how to lead with integrity, character, and love. He was always there to cheer on his kids and grandkids, and never missed a game, concert, or graduation. An attentive listener and fantastic storyteller, he could always be counted on for wise counsel and a good story. He was extremely proud of all that his children and grandchildren accomplished in life. Pat was most grateful for his wife Betty, who was his soulmate and best friend on their life’s journey together.

Pat Murphy was the beloved husband of 60 years to Betty (née Morris). Loving father of Bernadette Bentley Murphy of Milton, Geraldine Murphy of Quincy, Patrick Murphy (wife Michelle) of New York, Deirdre Murphy (husband Ryan Stone) of Hull, Regina Murphy (husband John Nee) of Milton, and infant Gerard (deceased). Devoted Grandfather "Papa" of Seán, Maeve, Patrick, Quinn, Ellie, and Rosie. The role of Papa brought him immense joy and happiness in his later years. He will also be dearly missed by his goldendoodle grandpups Ollie and Ruby.

Brother to Joseph Murphy (wife Mary) of Limerick, Ireland; Patricia Kelly (husband Colm) of Carlow, Ireland; Sean Murphy (wife Mary) of Limerick, Ireland; Donal Murphy (wife Sheila) of Limerick, Ireland; Mary Killeen (husband John) of Melrose, MA; Gabriel Murphy (Corinne) of Weymouth, MA; and the late Margaret ("Peggy') Feeney (husband Billy), Michael Murphy (wife Margaret), Richard “Dickie” Murphy (wife Irene), Oliver Murphy (wife Joanne), and child Eileen. Pat is also survived by the extended Morris family in New York and Ireland, as well as beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends both in the United States and Ireland.

It is both poignant and appropriate that this great Irish-American passed on St. Patrick’s Day. In years to come, the many people whose lives he touched will have an additional reason to celebrate on March 17th — commemorating a life full of love and purpose.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24th in Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock Street, Quincy. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ann's Church, 757 Hancock Street, Quincy at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25th. Burial in Mount Wollaston cemetery in Quincy. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations can be made in Pat’s name to the Irish Pastoral Centre, 540 Gallivan Blvd., Dorchester, MA 02124 www.ipcboston.org.