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My dear friend Howard Huebner sent this my way tonight. I am very sorry for your loss.
Robert M. Murphy
Date of death: October 03, 2008
Colonel Robert M. "Bob" Murphy of South Dennis and Bonita Springs, Florida, formerly of Roslindale and Westwood , MA., passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, 2008, at Cape Cod Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 35 years, Barbara (Atwood) Murphy (2002), and his former beloved wife of 16 years, Joanne "Murray" Murphy (1962).
Bob was born on July 7, 1925, in Boston to Joseph and Anna Murphy, brother to Steven Murphy, and sister Virginia "Murphy" Healy, and pre-deceased by his brother, Walter Murphy.
Robert joined the United States Army October 1, 1942, serving in World War II, with the 82nd Airborne in Italy, Holland, Africa, and Normandy, France. He received the Purple Heart (3), Valor (2), Bronze Star, Medal of Honor as well as the highest honor given by France, "The Legion of Honor". Bob Murphy was a proud member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston, Ma. He is the author of the book "No Better Place to Die" depicting D-Day, June 6, 1944 in Saint-Mere-Eglise, Normandy, France, where Bob had returned to in the 60’s to continue skydiving with his veteran friends, as well as, the airborne divisions of France and Canada. He celebrated and honored the events of D-Day his entire adult life keeping alive the memory and importance of this historical time for he and his brothers in arms along with his adopted family of Normandy, France.
Bob received his J.D. at Suffolk U., Boston, 1950; post grad., Harvard U., 1969. Bob practiced law with the firm of Murphy and Murphy in Boston; asst. atty. gen. Commonwealth of Mass. 1989-91. Chmn. Mass. Parachute Comm., Boston and Orange, Mass., 1960-63; CEO, Nat. Check Protection Svc., Inc., 1994-96, Col. USAR (ret.) Mem 82nd Airborne Divsn. Assn. (pres.) 1960-61, 94, bd. dirs.), 505 Parachute Inf. Regt. Assn. (pres. 1991-92, 2008). Roman Catholic Avocations; skydiving, travel, ancient history.
Bob leaves behind his two children, Dion Murphy of Bonita Springs, and Christina Murphy Mazgelis of Osterville, MA, and stepchildren, Robert Wilkinson, Cheryl Ludwig, Helen Mazzoni and Dana Lukens. He is predeceased by his sons Robert Michael, and Gary Vincent, and his daughter, Marie Bernadette, his stepdaughters, Brenda Wilkinson and Barbara Jo Menzel.
He is also survived by his grandchildren Ryan K. Murphy, Eden Brumini, Cassandra and Ian Mazgelis, Calvin and Tara Kennedy, Nate and Spencer Lukens, Mathew and Dana Marie Mazzoni, Hamish and Seth S. Wilkinson, Eric and Andrew Ludwig, Alyssa and Brittany Ayalla, and three great grand children.
He is also survived by adoring cousins, nephews and nieces, and companion, Gloria O'Brien of Concord.
He is loved, honored and respected by a magnitude of close friends throughout the world. His legacy and his love for living life to its fullest will be remembered and carried on by all those who were lucky enough to have had him in their lives. He will always be a hero, a warrior, and a legend to his country, family and friends. The world is a better place for having had Bob Murphy in it.
Geronimo!
Visiting hours will be in the John-Lawrence Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Rd(Rte28) Marstons Mills on Tuesday Oct. 7, 2008 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday Oct. 8, at 11AM in Our Lady of Victory Church, 230 S. Main St. Centerville. Burial will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery at 12:45 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the VFW Foundation, Suite 514, Kansas City, Missouri. 64111
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