Richard William Murphy

Richard William Murphy 89 of Ossipee, NH passed away quietly on January 21, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones and his beloved wife Leilani. He was born in Manchester, NH, on July 31, 1934, to John Francis and Marie "Eva" (Adams) Murphy.

Richard joined the Navy in 1951. He was chosen as "Honor Man" in boot camp by his fellow sailors. Later, his son Richard (Ichy), following in his father’s footsteps, was himself chosen "Honor Man" as well and was very proud. He served in the Navy as a Bosun (Boatswain's) mate and later as a Frogman. He specialized in harbor defense and was a demolition expert. Later, he became an honorary Navy seal. He was a Korean War combat veteran.

Richard married Pearl Leilani Mitchell on January 23, 1954, in a double ceremony in Hawaii. They had nine children. John Murphy married to Susan Murphy, Richard Murphy, Leilani Ulcickas married to Paul Ulcickas, Paul Murphy married to Diana Murphy, Lisa Allison married to Curtis Allison, Kimo Murphy married to Leigh Anne Richardson, Lori Greene married to David Greene, Christopher Murphy married to Susan Murphy and Leigh Picard.

They had 26 grandchildren, Serena, Nicholas, Jason, Richard, Rebecca, Ryan, Adam, Laura, Lindsey, Kymlee, Shayne, Bryan, Tyler, Alex, Kiana, Ben, Kailey, Kristen, Michael, Kayla, Jennifer, Christopher, Cheyenne, Gabriella, Haleigh, and 33 great-grand children. Precious cousin Doris Paquette, nieces Linda, Nancy and scores of cousins and extended family and loved ones.

Richard retired from the Union Leader Corporation as a composing room foreman after 40 years of dedicated service. He enjoyed many years of retirement and resided with his wife in their winter home in Homosassa, Florida, for 26 years. Leilani, his wife of 70 years, was his sweetie and the love of his life. For him, family was everything, and he was proud of them all. "Not a bum in the bunch."

His responsibility, shared by his wife Leilani to provide for their family, never wavered. Hard work and sacrifice for many years was their duty. His word was his honor. Dad always wanted a big family, and he sure got one. He was an avid sportsman. His love for fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, sailing, boating, motorcycling, and the great outdoors has passed down through his generations.

He spent many years with his family in Pittsburg, NH, and "The Great Northwoods." Known as the best northeast tour guide, he knew where all the hidden gems were. Fantastic Florida guide, too. He had an incredible sense of humor and a unique goofiness that we all acquired. Anything that needed to be done, he could do. He'd say, "Let me burn some wood on it," and “Always read the manual...” He was our John Wayne. His grasp on nearly any subject was astounding.

There are endless things we could say on his behalf, but one thing is for sure. He lived a full life. We will miss you, husband, dad, pop, grandpa, true friend, confidant, and mentor. You will always be with us in the things that we do and the way that we are because of you. You have our endless love and our respect. Your duty is done, but your legacy lives on in all of us. God has chosen you to be with his son and yours. What a wonderful gift.

Rest in peace. Thank you...

He is preceded in death by his parents, John Murphy and Eva Murphy, sister Kathleen McGranahan, son Richard Murphy, granddaughter Leanna Murphy, niece Kathy Hennessey and many other family members and friends.

No service will be held as per his wishes.

Arrangements provided by McHugh Funeral Home in Manchester, NH.