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Fredrick Murphy Obituary
Dover Plains, NY - Fredrick E. Murphy, 62, a lifelong resident of Dover Plains, NY, died Thursday, May 3, 2012 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, NY. Fred owned and operated Murphy's Speed & Custom in Dover Plains, NY for 40 years.
Born January 28, 1950 in Sharon, CT he was the son of the late Ernest and Muriel (Boyce) Murphy.
Fred graduated Dover High School in 1970, and received his Associate's Degree in Automotive Technology from Morrisville College in 1972.
On May 4, 1974, at the Dover Plains United Methodist Church he married Patricia Forbes, who survives at home.
Fred was a life member and former Captain of the J.H. Ketcham Hose Co. in Dover Plains, NY, President of the Valley View Cemetery Association, a member of the Dover Plains United Methodist Church, and a friend of the VFW Post # 5444.
For over 30 years Fred serviced the Orange County Speedway and was an affiliate of D.I.R.T. Track Association in Middletown, NY. He was also a member of the Dover Drag Strip club.
Fred organized and participated in several tractor pulls in both New York State and Connecticut, and was an avid antique tractor and classic car collector.
Fred was a father figure to several young men in the area, and was a proud supporter of the Dover High School Marching Band on St. Patrick's Day.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Gertrude Heustis of Grand Island, FL; brother-in-law, Arthur W. Forbes, Jr. and his wife Cynthia, of Charleston, SC; mother-in-law, Evelyn J. Forbes, of Dover Plains, NY; three nieces, Michelle Woodin, Mary Lou Perkinson, and Heather L. Forbes; a nephew, Justin A. Forbes, three great-nieces, Ashley Woodin, and Amanda and Tiffany Fuller, and two great nephews, Devon Woodin and Nathan A. Forbes. He will surely be missed by his three dogs: Gracie, Holly, and Ally.
In addition to his parents, Fred was predeceased by his sister, Louise Murphy.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at the Hufcut Funeral Home, 3159 Route 22, Dover Plains, NY. The J. H. Ketcham Hose Company will conduct services at 7 p.m.
Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 7, 2012 at the Dover Plains Untied Methodist Church, 26 Mill St., Dover Plains, NY with Rev. Bernice West officiating.
Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery, Dover Plains.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dover Plains United Methodist Church, 26 Mill St. Dover Plains, NY 12522 or the J.H. Ketcham Hose Co. P.O. Box 706 Dover Plains, NY 12522
For directions or to send the family an online condolence, please visit www.hufcutfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Fredrick Murphy
Keith Ford
May 1, 2025
I miss Fred each and every day. He listened to what I had to say. He offered insightful answers. J truly miss my friend. I am happy that Patsy and him are reunited. I hope their eternity is great.
Keith Ford
April 29, 2024
Three nights ago I got to spend time with you once again in the place I saw as heaven. Once again it was on top of a hill at a bright white 3 car garage that had the Murphy´s Speed and Custom sign out front . I commented that there was no cars in any of the bays . Fred laughed and said look around . There were dozens of people standing around in small groups talking and laughing . Although I was too far away to recognize anyone I felt they were all friends of Fred´s and they were enjoying themselves. I believe he brings me up occasionally to see what the future will be like. I still miss seeing and speaking with him a lot.
Keith Ford
April 29, 2023
I miss my friend more today as when he passed. The time I spent with him was some of the best times I ever had.
Keith Ford
April 29, 2022
I can´t believe it will be 10 years. Hardly a day goes by that I don´t think of you and the times I got to spend with you . You included me in things and offered advice whenever I asked. Thank you for everything. I know I will see you again and enjoy your company. You were always my crony .
Stephen Monica
April 29, 2020
Still remembering my 70 Chevelle you worked on so much, and all the kids in Dover you taught in your own way about mechanics !!
Bob Perran
April 29, 2020
One of the nicest people I ever met, was honored to call him my friend !!
Bob Perran
April 29, 2019
Can't believe it has been it's been 7 yrs . He was a great friend
June 4, 2012
My condolences to you & your family, I just found out. He was just my mechanic, but always was so kind to us & made me laugh, almost a month ago, he was coming down 22 at dawn in that old fire truck , I didnt even know could run, so funny. We will miss him, & Ill never forget his kindness
michael strauss
June 4, 2012
I'm so sorry for ur loss. It was always a pleasure dealing with Fred. He was always fair , & would help u out no matter the time nor the place.
May 17, 2012
Mrs Murphy,
Just found out that Fred passed. I've been away from racing for a while but Fred was one of the good guys. Just thinking about him brings a smile to my face as I'm sure it does for many other racers who's life he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Ray Underwood
Catherine Readshaw (Maluda)
May 16, 2012
My thoughts and Prayers are with you Mrs Murphy and your family.
Many nights I had to run to Murphy's for things the guys needed and "Uncle Smurf" would give me flack saying "What now Mortisha?" I have many fond memories that I will treasure.
Jackie & Donna DuBois
May 14, 2012
Pat, I'm glad I got to go racing and find a friend like Fred. And I'm especially thankful I got to see him at an auction just a week before his heart attack. I'll certainly miss him and remember all the Saturday nights at Orange County. Jackie #08
Steven Simpson
May 12, 2012
I'm very sorry to hear of Fred's passing, he was an awesome man. He will be missed!!You all will be in my thoughts and prayers..
May 12, 2012
Dear Mrs. Murphy,
I was so sorry to hear about Fred. My husband, Ed, was a teacher at Dover, and was so fond of Fred. He would stop to see him when we were back in the area. I know Fred was a wonderful man, and loved the work he did. My son-in-law, from CT saw him sometimes at the races. My sincere sympathy to you and all the family.
Norma Mahler, Hyde Park, NY
Barb Nichols
May 11, 2012
Patsy - Our thoughts & prayers are with you. As others have expressed - the town of Dover has lost an icon and valuable member of the community.
"the Tracy Family" Ed, Eileen (Stanton)
and Barb (Nichols)
May 10, 2012
Patsy, sorry for your loss. Gonna miss you fast back Freddie!!
B. Carman & T. Mullaly
Patrick & Barbie Mitchell
May 10, 2012
Pat,
Our deepest sympathy.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike Pepper
May 7, 2012
Dear Pat,
I'm stunned at this news and am so sorry for your loss. Fred's passing is a loss to the entire valley.
john tublewicz
May 7, 2012
patsy i am very sorry for your loss. god needed a mechanic in heaven.
Steve Monica
May 7, 2012
Patsy & Family,
I will sure miss a friend I did not see often enough over the years. He helped me build what I called my Hot Rod years ago, My CB Handle was the Heavy Chevy, people don't use those much anymore, but It was the Cool thing at the time. We kind of drifted apart over the years, but always was my friend. I will close by saying that the Town of Dover and surrounding Towns will never have another Man like him to teach Racing and the field of Automotive Repair to all the young kids and Adults that he has taught in his own way over the years. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with You and your Family, this Legend will surely be missed!!
Steve and Doreen Monica
& Family
Kevin Lyon
May 7, 2012
Patsy, So sorry to hear of your loss. Fred was a terrific individual and helpful to so many around him. he will be missed.
May 7, 2012
Dear Mrs. Murphy,
Now Fred will join my dad, Jim Osborn, in the big "IN FIELD" in heaven. They were such great racing buddies. May God bless you and hold you close during this sad time. Sincerely, Debbie Osborn Silvernail & Family
Tom & Alice Pilch
May 7, 2012
Patsy,
So sorry to hear of your loss,Fred was a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you....
Fred Pavia
May 6, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. I parked next to Murphy at the speedway for years and always had a great time talking with Fred. He will truely be missed.
Dave & Sandy VanHorn
May 6, 2012
Patty
Our deepest sympathy. Murph was a friend and will be remembered for all our times at Middletown. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Regina Carr
May 6, 2012
You will live forever in our hearts Murphy and your memories will live on in us,Our eternal love Jeff ,Regina and Amanda Carr
Harry&Jane Cella
May 6, 2012
Dear Patty...Harry and I are so very sorry for your loss.Murph will always be remembered by us with the fondest of memories. I cherish the memories of our bond with Rich Burgess dirt career. Our deepest sympathies.Our prayers are with you. Harry &- Jane Sauer-Cella
Bob perran
May 6, 2012
Patty, I am so sorry for your loss. I considered Fred a good friend and will miss him.
May 6, 2012
Patty,
We have fond memories of going to races at Middletown with him and helping him change tires. He was always available to help with truck problems when George was up hunting. fred was a good friend and will be missed.
George and Ginger Orton
May 6, 2012
Patty,
I'm very sorry for your loss, my condolences to you.
Jill Milovich Miller
Keith Daby
May 6, 2012
Very sorry to hear of the loss of a great friend. Although we did not see or talk much over the years, Freddy was and will always be remembered. Memories of our "car days" will live on forever.
ROSE(Ward) Hufford
May 6, 2012
"Not only has the Murphy/ Forbes family lost a great man, Dover Plains has lost an Icon. My sincere condolences."
Veda Benson Gardner
May 6, 2012
Patty, I am so sorry to hear about Fred. He was such a kind man. He had a heart as big as the sky. He was always there to help anyone. His spirit will live on with everyone.
kristy smith
May 6, 2012
pat i am very sorry for your loss, Fred was a very nice man, my daughter "Allie" loved him very much, he will be missed by many.
~Kristy & George~
MICHELLE SIMMONS
May 6, 2012
AM VERY SORRY FOR THE FAMILY AND THERE LOSS MY DAD KNEW FRED MURPHY WELL REALLY WELL AND HE ALWAY TALKED VERY GOOD ABOUT HIM HE WAS A NICE MAN THAT HELPED EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY ... FROM THE SIMMONS FAMILY
maggie honey
May 6, 2012
Freddy was a second cousin of mine-we were close as kids-then life got in the way-but he has always been in my heart n prayers through the yrs. Gone way too young Fred-R I P
Cousin Maggie Murphy & Family
amanda acklin(corrow)
May 6, 2012
I am sorry for the Murphy family's loss Fred was an amazing man
Pam & Jim Barto
May 6, 2012
Patsy, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Stephen and Angela Glynn
May 6, 2012
God bless your family on your loss our prayers go out to you
Michele Van Millon
May 6, 2012
I'm sorry for your loss.. Fred was a great guy.. He will be missed by many.
May 6, 2012
Patsy and family Gordy and I would like to express our sincere sympathy. We will keep you in our prayers.
Gordon and Connie Darling
Mt. Pleasnt, SC.
Mark & Loretta Russell
May 6, 2012
Patsy and family we are so sorry for your great loss! Our thoughts are with you!
Kathy Dorn
May 6, 2012
Pat: Denis (Sarg) and I are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers. Kathy Dorn and Denis Murphy
May 6, 2012
Patsy, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. Some of my fondest memories are hanging around the "shop" and all those nights at Orange County Fair Speedway. Fred was on of the best.
Richard & Louise Livernois
Ormond Beach, Florida
Virginia Keller
May 5, 2012
I have so many fond memories of Freddy!! I always enjoyed his sense of humor!!! May you find comfort and support from all the friends that surround you. My deepest sympathy.
audrey odell
May 5, 2012
Pat and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Fred touched the lives of many. He will never be forgotten.
Fred's Yellow Fever Chevy Drag Car
Dino Lawrence
May 5, 2012
Fred is part of all our Memories of Dover Drag Strip... So sorry for your loss Pat...All the Dover Guys at www.doverdragstrip.com
mike j
May 5, 2012
I may be serving in afghanistan but my heart is in Dover with my family and friends .Im so sorry for your loss pat fred was a great friend mike j
Valerie LaRobardier
May 5, 2012
I am so sorry...my prayers are with you all.
May 5, 2012
Our deepest Sympathy is with you Helen. We read the Obituary in the paper. We are so sorry.
Love Doris and Roger Sabo
Keith Ford
May 5, 2012
Fred put up with me for a long time. I will truly miss him. He was my croney.
D &E Woodin
May 5, 2012
Dear Murphy/Forbes Family, we send our most heartfelt sympathy to you and to let you know you are in our thoughts, heart and prayers. Love Donald and Eileen Woodin
steve feathers
May 5, 2012
Pat so sorry to hear about fred i have so many good and funny memories about fred ne will be missed. steve feathers
May 5, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends he will be greatly missed by all.RIP Fred
Mike&Liz Ormsby
Dover Plains,New York
Bob & Ann Ryan
May 5, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with Fred's family and friends. He will be missed by us all. RIP Fred. Bob and Ann Ryan
Ed and Sue Mistler
May 5, 2012
Patsy,I am so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. I have many happy memories of Fred.It was an honor to have him as a friend. Our thoughts are with you. Sue and Ed Mistler
John Frankie
May 5, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers to the family
May 5, 2012
Patsy
May memories, friends and family bring you comfort during this most difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen and Skip Anderson
heather banks
May 5, 2012
so sorry for your loss i remember Fred from Accord speedway with my father, he was a great man sorry for your loss- may he rest in peace.
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