Richard B. Murphy “Papa” – Age 84, husband of the late Irene M. (Parsons) Murphy passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, September 25th at the Lahey Hospital in Burlington.
He was born in Somerville, May 27, 1939, a son of the late Leo and Margaret A. (McDonald) Murphy and lived in Somerville before moving to Billerica in 1958.
Richard was employed as a Quality Control Manager for GTE in Needham for 35 years. In retirement, he worked at Java Brewin helping to make the morning muffins and worked at O’Connor Hardware Store but his true passion during these years was spending time with his grandchildren. He also spent time hooking rugs, doing puzzles, and watching NFL football with his family. He especially loved being taken out to dinner on Friday nights by his daughters and looked forward to his lunches with his sons. He was also an avid fan of any reality TV show but especially the Bachelorette.
In his last chapter, our beloved Papa was tenderly cared for by a team of dedicated home caregivers, who not only provided comfort and assistance but also became cherished members of our extended family. We are forever grateful for them all especially Lene and Kim who always went above and beyond.
He is survived by his daughters, Michelle Lavery and her husband Tom of Billerica and Julie Florio and her husband David also of Billerica; his sons, Richard Murphy and his wife Jenn of Marlborough and Thomas Murphy and his wife Kerry of Pepperell and is also survived by his 11 adoring grandchildren, Courtney Gallant and her husband Nicholas, Kelly Kirby and her husband Daniel, Dylan and Brianna Lavery, Zachary Florio and his wife Kayla, Jillian and Lucas Florio, Aiden Murphy, Kathryn, Sara, Allison Murphy. Along with six great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his cherished goddaughter Susan O’Donnell.
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, September 27 at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 4-7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday at St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish at St. Theresa Church, 466 Boston Rd., Billerica at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org His burial will take place in Fox Hill Cemetery, Billerica.
Previous Events
Visitation
27
Sep
66 Concord Road
Billerica, MA 01821
Funeral Mass
28
Sep
466 Boston Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
Burial
28
Sep
130 Andover Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
