Richard John Murphy, 73, of Charlton, passed away peacefully on August 15,  surrounded by his family in Southbridge, MA.

Richard was born to Captain John F. Murphy Jr. and his wife Virgina Murphy in Worcester, MA. After graduating from St. Stephen’s High School, he studied at Wachusett Community College. He was drafted and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1970, eventually serving as a Jet Engine Mechanic in Vietnam. After serving his country for four years, he attended Becker Junior College and earned his associates degree in business.

After graduating, he began working nights at Warner & Swasey. In 1976, he met Denise and the rest was history. They were married in 1981 and were with each other through all of life’s ups and downs. After building their home in Charlton, Richard began working at FLEXcon in Spencer. During his time there he was recognized for various achievements (building machinery that is still in use today & serving as the first VPP Chairman) and for building lifelong relationships with fellow colleagues. He was a loyal employee for 30 years before retiring in 2016.

Richard and Denise would go on to have two children, Christine and Jason. Richard was a wonderful and devoted husband, father, and grandfather; an all-around family man. So much so that he sold his beloved Harley to put a pool in the backyard for his kids. He was always at every event and milestone and supported us all throughout the many accomplishments and difficulties of our lives.

Richard was an active member of his community. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, involved in the Knights of Columbus, served on the Zoning Board of Appeals and was a Eucharistic Minister and Lector at St. Joseph Church in Charlton. He was Cubmaster for Pack 165, Scoutmaster of Troop 338, served on the Mohegan Council as Advancement Chair and was a proud member of the Shepherd Hill Music Parents Association. Richard enjoyed family vacations to Cape Cod, camping, smoking cigars around the fire, pool days with family and friends and watching The Price is Right.

Richard is predeceased by his father Captain John F. Murphy Jr., his mother Virginia H. Murphy (Reeves) and sister Maria Virigina.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Denise Murphy (Laramee); daughter Christine Hammond (Murphy), her husband Ross and two grandchildren Makenna and Carcher; son, Jason Murphy and his partner Clay Beaudoin; sisters, Sharyn (Robert) Beauregard, Susan (Anthony) Marchetti, and Carolyn (David) Nault; brother, Brian (Anne) Murphy; mother-in-law, Madeline Laramee; sister-in-law’s, Paulette (Tim) Hallihan and Monique Muise; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 21st from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm in the J. Henri Morin & Son Funeral Home, 23 Maple Terrace, Spencer. A Funeral Mass will be held in St. Joseph’s Church, 10 H Putnam Rd Ext.,Charlton on Tuesday, August 22nd at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton with Military Honors.

Family and friends are asked to go directly to the church on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the VA Home Based Primary Care Program Worcester Outpatient Program. Donations can be made payable to CWM-VAHBPC (please add HBPC to the memo) and can be sent to:

Central Western Mass VA

Attn: CDCE/Voluntary Services

421 North Main St.

Leeds, MA 01053