Brian Richard Murphy

Obituary

Brian Richard Murphy

Beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle and friend

On Friday, November 1, 2024, Brian shed his earthly pain and made a graceful exit, surrounded by the love of his wife, daughters and sister-in-law, whom he cherished all his life.  Today and forever, he finally flies free.

Brian was born in Lowell, MA June 1,1952 to the late John and Norma (Andrews) Murphy.  He grew up in Lowell, attended Sacred Heart School, and graduated from Greater Lowell Technical school in 1969.

At the age of 18, he became smitten by an older and much wiser 22-year-old woman who  would stay with him, for better or worse, for the rest of his life. Brian and Janine shared an affection that was uniquely theirs, cultivating a love that few could appreciate yet carried deep and meaningful significance for those who truly understood them. Together, they welcomed and raised 2 daughters, Erin & Jill.   Brian and Janine celebrated through the years with friends and family, hosting birthday parties, holidays, and weekends by the pool.  The doors were never locked, and the girl’s friends had an open invitation to step inside anytime.  The birth of each of their grandchildren, Kyle, Bret, and Lily unleashed a bond never to be broken; each different but still very much the same. This bond was bolstered by the countless unforgettable memories they created together. He seized every opportunity to brag about each one of them and made no excuse for doing so. Pride radiated in his eyes at just a mention of their names.  Lily his “pretty girl” and the boys his “big guys”.  They will miss their Papa beyond measure.

Brian was known for his strong will, steadfast perseverance, and love and support for his family and community. He was a lifetime member of the Knickerbocker Club in South Lowell and a communicant of St. Marie’s church in South Lowell.   Brian had a soft spot for volunteering and took great pride in dedicating his time to organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul, Lowell’s homeless shelter and Saint Marie’s Parish Men’s Club.  One of his greatest joys came from his many years coaching youth sports with the Shedd Park Baseball Organization and Lowell Pop Warner Football.  His passion for coaching local youth proved to be his superpower.   Here he had the great privilege of flexing his scrappy athletic abilities and sharing his knowledge of the game amongst a core group of young men he took satisfaction in mentoring. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people, share himself and evoke that same spirit of affection in each person he knew. There was no shortage of self-praise in his anecdotes, and he loved repeating the same short stories about his accolades to whomever would listen.

Brian is survived by his loving wife Janine. He and Janine would have celebrated 54 years of marriage on November 7th. Brian was a devoted father to his daughters Erin Edwards and her husband Dean Emerson of Lowell, MA.  Jill Emerson and her husband Jeff of Lowell, MA.  He was a proud Papa to his grandchildren, Lily Emerson, Kyle Edwards, Bret Edwards, & Nicolas Emerson.  His sister-in-law Jackie Cameron of Naples, FL. whom he adored.  His beloved nieces Kerry Cameron & Jennifer Hughes, and nephew Jimmy Cameron. His grand-nieces McKenna, Reese, & Cameron Hughes and grand-nephews James and Jack Cameron. He also leaves behind his brothers, John Murphy and his wife Louise from FL, Steven Murphy from Lowell, and sister-in-law Belinda Murphy from Pelham NH, and several nieces and nephews. Brian valued his many lifelong friends from Massachusetts including his former son in law Sean Edwards and southern friends at Blue Sky’s in Naples FL, where he spent the past 3 years with Janine.

Brian is also predeceased by his brother-in-law James Cameron of Naples FL & his brother Cornelius “Connie” Murphy of Pelham, NH

Funeral Notice

Brian’s visitation will be Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 3 to 6 pm followed by a memorial service at 6 pm at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX ST., CHELMSFORD, MA 01863.  In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the 2025 Keefe Family Polar Plunge who will be honoring a dear friend of the Murphy family.  Click here to donate: https://givebutter.com/PP2025/erinedwards1

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