Timothy J. “Bumpa” Murphy, Deputy Fire Chief of Brockton (Ret.), age 71, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. He was a lifelong Brocktonian, the son of Thomas Murphy and Marie (Skinner) Murphy. Tim spent 48 years happily married to his high school sweetheart, Debra (Kelly) Murphy. They were together through all of life’s joys and challenges until the very end. Cherished father of Seanna O’Donnell and her husband Brian of Abington, Timothy Murphy, Jr and his wife Jen of Brockton, James Murphy and his wife Jenn of Raynham. Tim is survived by his brothers Thomas R. Murphy and his wife Dianne of San Diego, and Christopher F. Murphy of Abington. “Bumpa” found great joy in his eight grandchildren, Timmy (III), Grace, Aidan, Connor, Brady, Maddie, Sean & Chris, as well as his great grandson, Logan.
Tim served on the Brockton Fire Dept for 37 years, rising to the rank of Deputy Chief. He was known for his quiet but well-respected leadership by all. He received several commendations for his brave service, including Brockton Firefighter of the Year in 1993.
He was an avid reader and student of history having received his BA from UMass Boston and MA from Framingham State. Even in his waning days, he always had a book close at hand.
The way he lived his life, loved his family, and did his job, was a model for all who knew him and will mourn him.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, May 11, 2025 from 4-7pm, at the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street, Brockton. The Funeral procession will gather at the Funeral Home on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 10am, for a funeral Mass at 11am at St. Edith Stein Parish, 71 East Main St, Brockton. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Tim’s memory to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, or online at: https://t2t.org/donate/