Robert “Bob” Murphy, of Hull, MA, passed away on October 12, 2023 due to a variety of health issues. Bob was a longtime resident of Lowell, MA. The son of John and Ann (“Nancy” Cordingley) Murphy, he was the youngest of the six Murphy boys. He attended Lowell area schools; Peter Reilly Elementary (where his mom taught), Moody Middle School, Central Catholic High School, and UMass Lowell. He worked mostly in the medical field as a technical writer and trainer.
As the youngest, Bob had a flair for the dramatic, combining it with his quick sarcastic wit (which he came by naturally in the Murphy household). He wasn’t much for filters, so you always knew what was on his mind and his thoughts on a subject, whether you wanted to or not. Bob never let a good story, or a grudge, die. And he did not suffer fools.
Bob adored his niece and nephews (and their pets); he liked to make them laugh and always found a way to relate to them individually. He loved traditions. It wasn’t a real Christmas in his mind until there were chips and dip, pizza, and crab toasties.
When his dad died, Bob volunteered immediately to move back in with his mom Nancy to help her. He thought it would be a short-term gig yet continued it for 10 years. He complained about it constantly; yet we knew he enjoyed it and appreciated the special friendship he formed with her over those years.
He discovered music in his teens, and it was a staple in his life. In his twenties he and a group of close friends played in a home-grown band named Wax Fruit Museum, Bob having written one song on their debut album in 1993. They had a small local following and often played in bars in downtown Lowell. His face truly lit up when he was playing music. He enjoyed many things from the 80’s, including TV shows, movies, and music, often quoting Blanche Devereaux from “The Golden Girls” or Jan Brady from “The Brady Bunch” and never missing an episode or rerun of either one!
Bob is survived by his five brothers and their families: Kevin and his wife Lise (Brewer) of St. Augustine, FL; Dan of Lowell; John and his wife Louise (Tully) of Dunstable, MA; Tim and his wife Marva (Figura) of Candia, NH; Peter and his wife Jane (Michaelson) of Framingham, MA. He also leaves several nephews and a niece: Brian, Michael, Colin, Ryan, Aiden, Liam, Lea and Jackson, as well as several close cousins and friends (and their children). Bob was also lucky to share the past several years with his companion Kevin Raymond, a great addition to the Murphy family.
On Friday, October 20, 2023 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 9-11 a.m. followed by his service at 11 a.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816.
Donations in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.