Philip Edward Murphy

On the evening of October 8, 2023, Philip Edward Murphy, 81, passed away at home surrounded by his family and by a lifetime of love.  

Phil was born on October 26, 1941 to Eleanor F. (Martine) and William J. Murphy of Dorchester, MA.  He was the youngest of 7 children, and aptly doted upon.  He attended Boston English High School, and served in the United States Army Reserves all while courting and then marrying the love of his life, Frances A. “Duchie” Murphy.  They wed in July 1966 and moved to Hingham, MA where they lived ever since.  Together, they raised 3 daughters and enjoyed many lasting and meaningful relationships with countless friends and neighbors.

Phil spent his professional years at M. DeMatteo Construction Company in Quincy, MA.  He began as a driver and clerk and ultimately worked his way up through ranks.  He became an invaluable member of the executive board managing real estate acquisitions all along the east coast as collateral for large-scale roadway construction projects.  He also served on the Board of Directors of Scituate Federal Bank for many years.  His true business acumen, however, was in the relationships he made throughout his decades of dedicated work.  Phil was a man you could count on both personally and professionally.

Phil was funny, kind, supremely generous, a dear friend to many, and the life of every party.  He had smile that was both contagious and infectious, and sometimes up to no good, in all the best ways.  He had a quick wit and excellent sense of humor.  He was a captivating story teller and an exceptional conversationalist.  There was no doubt that at any given gathering, the most fun was being had in Phil’s corner of the room.  Throughout his life, he enjoyed many simple pleasures such as reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with his family.  He was a proud member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.  He loved good conversation, a well-manicured lawn, shiny shoes, chocolate chip cookies with milk before bed, and a fire crackling in the fireplace while he watched the news from his “command post central” on the couch.

Phil was preceded in death by his loving wife Duchie, by his parents, and by his siblings William Murphy, Leo Murphy, Jean (Murphy) Curran and Gerard Murphy.  He is survived by his siblings; Eleanor “Derry” (Murphy) Fallon of Weymouth and Sr. Irene Murphy of Windsor, CT.  He is also survived by his three daughters; Laura (and Andrew) McIntosh of Ripton, VT, Nancy Murphy (and Michael Grant) of Middleboro, MA and Sarah Kiernan of Norwell, MA as well as his five grandchildren; Kate, Anna and Amy Kiernan and Beth and Matthew McIntosh.  Phil is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

Phil’s family invites you to attend visiting hours at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. in Hingham, MA on Friday October 13^th from 4-7 PM.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 14th at 10 AM at The Resurrection of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Church, 1057 Main Street Hingham, MA with burial at Hingham Cemetery to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Phil’s memory may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 62 Walnut Street Suite 5 Wellesley, MA 02481 or online at jdrf.org.