Paul J. Murphy, age 72, of Mansfield, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Kathryn M. (Creamer) Murphy, to whom he was married for forty-six years.
Born in Cambridge, MA on March 20, 1952, he was a loving son of the late Paul T. and Frances M. (Galligan) Murphy. He was a 1969 graduate of Arlington Catholic High School and then spent a post-grad year at New Prep in Cambridge. Paul was a proud graduate of Boston College (1974) where he met and charmed Kathy and kicked off decades of cheering for the Eagles. After BC, Murph joined the Massachusetts State Police and was a member of the 59th Recruit Training Troop (RTT). Prior to retiring, Trooper Murphy proudly served the Commonwealth while assigned to the Weston Barracks on the Mass Pike.
Paul was so proud of the family that he and Kathy created. They moved to Mansfield in 1985 and couldn’t believe that two kids from the city were able to build this life. He is survived by his loving children, Kerry Frances Murphy Mittelholzer and her husband Robert of Windham, NH, Daniel Patrick Murphy and his wife Jennifer of Fredericksburg, VA, and Kacey Ann Murphy of Mansfield. He was the cherished Grampy of Luke and Zach Mittelholzer and Max and Claire Murphy. He was the dear brother of Sheila A. Scholl and her husband Bill of Wilmington, the late Mary F. Corcoran, and her surviving husband John of Plymouth, and the late Brian J. Murphy. He is also survived by many dear cousins, including Frank Galligan who he thought of as a brother, and his wife Cindi Galligan of Watertown. Uncle Paul is survived by loving nieces and nephews, as well as many good friends. For Murph, everyone was “the best.” All share memories of Paul’s generosity, joy for life, and humor.
In addition to his family, there were many things that made Paul happy and proud. He loved being 100% Irish, spending time in Wellfleet, and watching and debating Boston sports – he was one of the first in line for Patriots season tickets when he was 18 years old and passionately held them for 54 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, July 22nd from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main Street, Mansfield.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 23rd at 11:00 A.M. in Saint Mary’s Church, 330 Pratt Street (Route 106) Mansfield. Interment will follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Mansfield.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Paul’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678 or the Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com