Dennis Joseph Murphy

Dennis Joseph Murphy of Salem, NH passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Joan A. (Barry) Murphy. Born in Watertown, MA a son of the late Timothy and Ellen (Reen) Murphy. He lived in Canton, MA for 45 years and retired to Pocasset on Cape Cod.

Raised in Somerville, Mr. Murphy was a graduate of St. John’s High School in North Cambridge, MA. After high school he served in the United States Army as an MP in Korea. Upon returning home he attended Boston University, eventually graduating from Suffolk University with a bachelor’s in business management. He married the love of his life in 1962 & raised two sons. Mr. Murphy worked for the Polaroid Corp. for 35 years in many locations as a materials manager.

He was active in his community, whether it was coaching Little League or youth hockey or volunteering with “My Brother’s Keeper”, he always felt the need to give back. His sons have fond memories of many trips into Boston to donate to the Pine Street Inn.

He had a love of all thing’s sports. A dedicated fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish & Providence Friars, he always tried to keep up on the latest news surrounding both schools. A former Boston Bruins season ticket holder, he was there to see Bobby Orr fly through the air in 1970. He instilled this passion on his sons. He was a regular in the stands at his grandchildren’s many games and theater productions.

He was a great storyteller, often regaling the masses with how he and his buddy followed Sox Slugger, Ted Williams, from Fenway all the way to Foxboro to get an autograph outside the Lafayette House, likely breaking multiple traffic laws along the way. He was particularly proud of meeting the legendary Jackie Robinson & confronting Preacher Roe on the same day.

He had an epicurean’s palate often driving long distances to get fish cakes from the S&S Deli in Inman Sq., apple turnovers from White’s Bakery or hot dogs from Sullivan’s on Castle Island.

He enjoyed date nights out with his wife. You could find them having dinner by the piano at the Chart Room in Cataumet on many nights throughout the summer. After she passed, he settled in NH, to be near his son, DJ. Sundays were spent relaxing on the couch and watching sports with his new best friend, George the dog.

He is survived by his sons, D.J. Murphy and wife Karen of Windham, NH and also David B. Murphy and wife Betsy of Gray Gables, MA; grandchildren Andrew, Joe, Mikey, Molly, Jack and Kate; a sister, Maryellen Ryan of Easton, MA, a brother Timothy (Nora) Murphy of Bradenton, FL, and many nieces and nephews.

Donations can be made in his name to: My Brother’s Keeper, P.O. Box 338, Easton, MA 02356.

There will be a visitation on Sunday, September 15th, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 16, 2024, at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Parish, followed by a burial at Massachusetts National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.