Dr. Robert J. Murphy

Dr. Robert J. Murphy, age 82 of Huntington, beloved husband of nearly 60 years of Margaret Mary (Costello) Murphy, passed away peacefully in his home, Wednesday, November 19, 2014. Born in Bridgeport the only child of the late John and Katherine Murphy he had been a Huntington resident for over 50 years. Dr. Murphy graduated with honors from the following schools: St. Francis Grammar School in Fairhaven, Fairfield College Preparatory School (1949), Fairfield University (1953) and St. Louis Dental School(1957). He served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Major. Dr. Murphy opened his dental practice in 1960 and continued to work until the time of his passing. An avid golfer, he was a 45 plus year active member of the Brownson Country Club where he developed many dear friends. When not golfing, he could always be found reading a good book and engaging in conversation with his fellow club members. Dr. Murphy loved to sing, and was in the glee clubs at all the schools he attended. He was a member of the Derby Melodiers, and was still volunteering his time singing at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. He was a member for many years of the Gaelic American Club, "The Garden Club", was a founding member of the Irish Scholarship Committee/Irish Open, a member of the Knights of Columbus, (3rd Degree), and was an active parishioner for many years at St. Lawrence Church. An avid Red Sox fan, he felt truly blessed to see them win the World Series after waiting so many years. He was a member of the American Dental Association, Naugatuck Valley Dental Society and often volunteered his dental skills at Griffin Hospital. "Doc Rock" cherished his numerous trips to Ireland with his friends and family and was very proud of his Irish heritage. Above all else, Dr. Murphy delighted in time spent with his family and dear friends. Predeceased by his son Patrick Murphy, survivors in addition to his loving wife Margaret Mary include five beloved children, Robert J. Murphy, Jr. and his wife Colleen of Lordship, Timothy F. Murphy of Norwalk, Maura C. West and her husband Mark of Mequon, WI, Michael B. Murphy and his wife Kim of Fairfield and Kathleen A. Dumouchel and her husband John of Walpole, MA; 16 cherished grandchildren, Rory, Mollie, Bridget, Bree, Mairead, Caitlin, Brendan, Brigid, Reilly, Sean, Micaela, Shane, Keely, Jack, Connor and Quinn; a brother-in-law, Francis J. Costello of Bridgeport; a niece Denise, and a nephew David. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, November 24, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. meeting directly at St. Lawrence Church, 505 Shelton Ave., Huntington. Interment will follow in Lawn Cemetery, Huntington. Friends may call Sunday from 3-7 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 370 7th Ave., Suite 1802, New York, NY 10001 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org). For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerfuneralHome.com.