Philip Anthony Murphy

Philip Anthony "Bubba" Murphy, age 96, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Faulkner Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Born in Boston on July 5, 1929, he was the son of the late Joseph and Maggie (McGeough) Murphy. Growing up on Josephine Street in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, Phil developed a strong work ethic at just sixteen, helping to support his siblings. He graduated from Dorchester High School as part of the Class of 1947 and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Phil proudly served his country while stationed stateside during the Korean War serving on the USS Kula Gulf Carrier as a bombardier and studying radiological defense. Upon his honorable discharge in 1953, Phil returned home where he built his resume with several sales and accounting jobs while also attending school at Bentley College.

On May 31, 1954, Phil married his beloved wife, Jean Ann Burke, in Boston. The young couple initially made their home in Dorchester, before making their way south, settling in the small suburban town of Walpole, Massachusetts. After establishing their Walpole home in 1956, Phil took a position with Walpole High School, teaching business and typing courses. A few years later, having earned his bachelor’s degree, Phil took a job with the Internal Revenue Service, working in internal affairs investigating and pension fraud. He dedicated over 30 years to his career while forming some of his closest friendships that would last well past his retirement in 1989.

Phil was a devout member of Blessed Sacrament Church in Walpole and the Knights of Columbus, Council 1319. He also supported Blessed Sacrament School where his four children attended, introducing tropical fish tanks both in the school and convent, a hobby he excelled at, especially since he kept his own tanks at home. A true DIY enthusiast, Phil enjoyed tackling projects around the house, always incorporating the newest technology. Phil was a whiz with the latest technological advances and was the first one in the neighborhood with a color television, VCR, DVD player, and numerous video cameras. Phil loved capturing life’s special moments as “the man behind the camera” at all the family events, gradually digitizing his videos, so everyone could enjoy the memories. Before videography was truly a business, Phil was the reason many family and friends have videos of their weddings and other special events. As cell phone technology continued to evolve, Phil kept up with the latest trends, sending texts and videos to his beloved grandchildren.

Phil adored his family. The family had a cottage in West Yarmouth with Bubba Burke and Aunt Irene beginning in the late 60’s, and Cape Cod became a getaway and vacation spot for Phil, Jean, and the kids to enjoy Cape life. This would be a special place for them for decades to come. He was a supportive dad, always there at games and events, cheering on his children. The arrival of his grandchildren brought him immense happiness, and they affectionately called him "Bubba", sharing a special bond with each one and making sure they always felt loved and cherished. He loved nights out with family and friends enjoying a martini or corona and watching football. You could always count on Phil to have a joke ready to get the crowd going.

Phil and Jean spent an incredible sixty years together, raising a beautiful family and developing many friendships along the way. Together, they looked forward to traveling the world, visiting destinations both domestic and abroad. Some of their favorite trips included trip visits to California, Hawaii and an Alaska cruise, fun in the Caribbean islands, adventures across Europe, and family visits in Ireland.

Beloved husband of the late Jean Anne (Burke) Murphy.

Loving father of Donna Musumeci and her husband Joel of Beverly, Neil Murphy and his wife Donna of Walpole, Christopher Murphy and his wife Kristine of North Andover, and David Murphy and his wife Kathleen of Scituate.

Cherished grandfather of Molly, Erin, Vivian, James, Neil Jr., David Jr., and Catherine.

Brother of Bernadette Burke and her late husband Robert of Braintree and Patricia Molloy and her husband Robert of Braintree, the late Patrick Joe Murphy and his surviving wife Linda of Braintree, the late Mae Romey and her late husband John of CA, the late Margaret McGrail and her surviving husband Hugh of Medway, and the late Veronica Wright and her surviving husband William of Braintree..

Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Phil's visitation on Sunday, November 2nd, 2025, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

All are invited to gather in the funeral home on Monday, November 3rd, 2025, at 10:30 am prior to Philip's Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole, at 11:30 AM. Interment will follow at Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Phil’s name may be made to Joslin Diabetes Center, Office of Philanthropy, 529 Main Street, 4th Floor, Charlestown, MA 02129, or online at www.joslin.org/giving. It was Phil’s wish that gifts be directed to Joslin in gratitude for the exceptional care and support they provided to him and his beloved wife, Jean.