Hugh Desmond Murphy passed away at home on Saturday, February 19, surrounded by his adoring family. He was a lifelong resident of Medford. Hugh was 70 years old, a milestone he was delighted to reach and that was celebrated with many of his friends and family in October. He was a great man, a true gentleman, and worked every day to live with “honesty, purity, selflessness, and love.” His family and friends were blessed to have learned many valuable lessons from Hugh, among them:
Over tip. Bring cold water to your trash collectors. Call strangers “buddy.” Always hold the door, and don’t expect a thank you in return. Invite people to your house for Thanksgiving. Be genuinely delighted to see people, whether they are your family, long-time friends, or strangers. In fact, consider strangers just “friends you haven’t met yet.” Hide dog treats in your car, your pockets, and your nightstand drawer. Remember that the small things are the big things. Read a real newspaper, every day. Give to charity. Take it one day at a time. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Remember guys, leave the seat down. When someone cooks for you, tell them it’s the best you ever had. Work hard and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Do the right thing, even when no one is looking. Tell your people that you love them. That they make you so happy. That they “fill your heart with love and joy.” Every single day. It’s never too much. Tell tired parents of young children that they’re doing a good job. Be kind to old people. Remember your manners. Know that there is no such thing as a lost cause. Apologize when you screw up. Stay connected. Even a five-minute phone call to say hi goes a long way. Drink enough water. Eat enough ruffage. Always eat dessert. Especially if it’s a Twinkie. Stop your whining and get on with it.
A graduate of Malden Catholic High School, Hugh worked as a trackman for the MBTA, from where he retired after more than 30 years. He was a proud member of the Carmen’s Union, Local 589. He kept busy after retirement, driving a cab; getting his CDL license and delivering oil; slaying at Jeopardy; juicing with his Nutribullet; gardening with his granddaughters; watching a steady stream of Matlock, Perry Mason, and the Incredible Dr. Pol; and taking his grand dog Ruby on daily adventures, especially to Morrison Park. He loved cooking, crosswords, and the remote control.
He leaves behind his devoted wife Patti (Tully) of Medford, whom he adored, and to whom he was married for almost 47 years; his loving daughter Erin Rafferty of Medford and her husband Barry; his loving son Brian Hugh Murphy of Medford and his husband Marcelo; his loving son John Desmond Murphy of Somerville; his darling granddaughters and lights of his life Julia, Hannah, and Catherine “Katie” Rafferty, who will miss his undeniable love, his snuggles on the couch, and his incredible talent for making animal sounds; and his loyal and lovingly spoiled grand-dog Ruby, who was his constant companion and “soul-mutt,” and who will miss him (and the perfect over-easy egg he made her every morning) dearly. Hugh was deeply proud of his children, and incredibly happy with who his children married, and always made that clear. His children and sons-in-law adored him back. Hugh also leaves behind his dear sister Kathy Corcoran of Billerica and her husband Kevin; dear sister Mary Griffin of Billerica; dear and only brother Jeremiah of Stoneham and his wife Paula; dear mother-in-law Rita Tully of Medford; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and cousins, all of whom brought him so much joy.
Friends and family (and anyone who was touched by Hugh’s kindness) are invited to visit with Hugh’s family at Breslin Funeral Home, 610 Pleasant St., Malden on Wednesday, February 23rd from 4–7 PM . A funeral celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, February 24th at 10 AM at Grace Episcopal Church, 160 High Street, Medford followed by interment in Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford.
Hugh’s family would like to thank the incredible nurses, doctors, and staff who cared for him during his 2 ½ year battle with cancer, especially those at Dana Farber, Mass General, and hospice.
In lieu of flowers, Hugh’s family asks that you make a donation to the Answer House, an addiction recovery program that played a big part in Hugh’s sobriety journey. Donations can be made in Hugh’s name at www.mhsainc.org, through the Middlesex Human Service Agency. Hugh was a friend of Bill W., and although he didn’t want anyone to make a fuss, his family was extremely proud of his 28 years of sobriety. He was very active in Alcoholics Anonymous, had a cherished “AA family,” and also helped countless people with their own sobriety, in a quiet, humble way. He always said, if he could do it, anyone can. One day at a time.