Richard Patrick Murphy Jr.

1970 - 2025

Richard Patrick Ricky Rick Murphy Jr., 55, of Block Island, R.I. (formerly of Pembroke, Mass.), passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Rick fought a brief and courageous battle with cancer, meeting every challenge with strength, humor, and heart until the very end.

Born on October 6, 1970, in Middleboro, Mass., Rick was the beloved son of Laura J. (Hill) Murphy and Richard Patrick Murphy Sr. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Kingston in 1988 and later earned his bachelor's degree from New Hampshire College, where he formed many lifelong friendships. After college, Rick moved first to Boston and then to Brooklyn, N.Y., to pursue a career in acting and comedy. His quick wit and remarkable sense of humor were unforgettable and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Rick went on to spend more than 20 years as a bartender in New York City -- work he both loved and excelled at. Whether crafting the perfect cocktail or swapping stories with patrons, he brought life and laughter to every bar he touched. Most recently, he made his home on Block Island, where he embraced a slower pace and the simple joys of island life. A lover of oysters, Narragansett Beer, and all things green, Rick cherished playing golf with his buddies and was an enthusiastic member of the Block Island softball and Pickleball leagues. A devoted New England sports fan, he especially treasured every Boston Bruins win. Wherever he went, he was the life of the party -- radiating joy, warmth, and positivity.

Above all else, Rick loved his family deeply. No matter where he lived, he always made time to return home for holidays, celebrations, and milestones. A proud mama's boy, he adored his mother with all his heart. He relished playing street hockey with his nephew, cheering on his niece at dance recitals and lawn acrobatics, and challenging his cousins to competitive games of wiffle ball. His family was his constant and his greatest joy.

Rick is survived by his mother, Laura J. Murphy of Halifax; his father, Richard Patrick Murphy Sr. of Weymouth; his sister and brother-in-law, Michelle and Tim Mailloux of Pembroke; and his cherished niece and nephew, Everly and Parker Mailloux. He also leaves behind his cousins - Michael and Melissa Hill, Kevin and Becky Ferrell, John and Kerri Conroy, Lisa and Amy Hill, Debbie Sherman, David Tourtillott, and Denise Smith -- as well as forty cousins on the Murphy side of the family. Rick is also remembered by many loving aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Selma (Dickie) Hill and Edmund J. (Willy) Hill, and by his paternal grandparents, Mary (Delory) Murphy and Cornelius Murphy.

In keeping with Rick's wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, December 6, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, Mass. (60 Country Club Way). In lieu of flowers, guests are invited to bring a written favorite memory of Rick to share and be collected at the celebration.