Obituary of Robert W. Murphy

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved Murph on October 14, 2024 at the age of 78 in his Duxbury home.

Robert W. Murphy was born in Lawrence, MA. to Francis and Theresa Murphy.  He grew up on the streets and playing fields of North Andover. Murph graduated from North Andover High School where he was a standout three sport athlete and honor student. He captained the football, basketball and baseball teams.

Murph earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from UMass Amherst where he continued his athletic success. He was a walk-on basketball player who earned the respect of the coaches and was awarded a full scholarship for his next three years. He captained the team his senior year. The search was on to replace Murph and UMass recruited a young player named Julias Erving. Dr. J had big shoes to fill.

Owing to his tenacity on the basketball court the lacrosse coaches took notice and recruited him to that team where he found continued athletic success and became a captain of the lacrosse team for his senior season.

After graduate school at Michigan State and some travel around the country Mr. Murphy returned to Massachusetts to begin his teaching and coaching career. He taught physical education at Silver Lake Regional High School for 33 years where he coached football, basketball and tennis. He also served as an assistant football coach at North Plymouth High School. Coach Murphy remained close to many of his former players and was so proud of the successful men they became.

After retirement, Murph continued to enjoy biking, tennis, kayaking, the beach and attending Harvard Football games. He found new passions in collecting sea glass and writing poetry for family special occasions. Family time was his most cherished passion.

Beloved husband, best friend and life partner for 41 years to Joanne (Audette) Murphy. Loving dad to daughter Heather and son-in-law Ray Martin and son Timothy and daughter-in-law Sara Gellatly. Adoring Grandpa to Ray and Kayla who were his biggest joys in life and gave him the spark to persevere during the tough days. They will cherish the memories of Grandpa pitching BP for backyard homerun derby, Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl football games on Friendly Fordham Field, bike rides, trips to the beach, fun at the pool and his root beer floats.

Murph was known for his strength, fitness, kindness, fun-loving positive attitude, generosity and those sexy blue eyes!

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren he will be missed by his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and many friends.  He was brother to Col. William Murphy (deceased), Thomas F. Murphy (deceased) and Barabara O’Neil.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Duxbury Bay Maritime School 457 Washington St. Duxbury, MA.

The Murphy family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the love and support during this time of overwhelming loss. Special thanks and gratitude to Cranberry Hospice for their compassionate care of Murph during his last days.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cranberry Hospice 36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 326 Plymouth, MA.