Philip L. Murphy
April 24, 1940 ~ June 17, 2013
SOUTH PORTLAND - Philip L. Murphy passed away peacefully at his home on June 17, 2013 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born April 24, 1940, in Houlton, a son of Harold J. and Cecile P. Robichaud Murphy. Phil was a 1958 graduate of South Portland High School. Phil served in the Navy overseas during peacetime. He had wonderful stories of his travels that he shared throughout the years. He married his high school sweetheart, Lucille St. Jean, in 1961. He started his business, Philip Murphy Plumbing Heating, in 1977, and developed long-time customer relationships built on trust and quality workmanship. He enjoyed working hard to support his family, and worked alongside his oldest son, Shawn, who later took over the business. He was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church. Phil was a 'people person' and liked by all who knew him. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, camping, fishing, hunting, snow-mobiling, and golfing. He was a member of the Freeport Country Club. Phil also loved to dance and boogied every last dance during events. He was known as the life of any gathering, and will be remembered for his fun-loving personality and true gift of telling jokes with special dialect and animated gestures. He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Patricia Rouleau in 2008; two brothers, James Murphy in 2006 and Richard Murphy in 2008. Surviving are: his wife, Lucille of South Portland; two sons, Shawn Murphy and wife Kimberly of South Portland, Jayson Murphy and wife Tracy of Scarborough; a daughter, Jodi Perry of Conway, NH; three sisters, Marie Clements of California, Nancy Land and husband John, and Catherine Piper, both of South Portland; a brother, John Murphy and wife Dale of Scarborough; seven grandchildren, Natasha, Austin, Jesse, Quincy, Sarah, Jacob, Maccoy, and one great grandchild, Caiden. Visiting hours will be held from 4:30 to 7:30pm on Thursday, June 20, at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited 9:15am, Friday, June 21, at the chapel, followed by a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial at St John the Evangelist Church, Main Street, South Portland. Interment with Military Rites will follow in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, those interested in making a donation in Phil's memory can do so to: Hospice of Southern Maine 180 US Route One, #1, Scarborough, ME 04074.Online condolences may be expressed below.
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Hi Shawn, I happened to be reading the paper the other day and saw that you dad had passed. I was very sorry to hear of Phil’s passing and from reading he obituary, there was a lot about him that I didn’t realize. I wanted to share a story about Phil that stuck with me and make a difference in how I handled people. It talks to service, caring and making a difference. When I was in second grade, my parents build the pool in the back yard that you still winterize. Construction was moving along and Phil was with Caron and Walz doing the plumbing work in the pool house. The deck was just poured and Phil was doing the connection on the pool filler. One of the pool guys came to talk with my Mom and mentioned that they forgot to put the diving board stands in. The deck would need to be cut out and the stands set in concrete. My Mom, Marjorie, was in tears as he droned on about the issue. Phil was close by and took charge. He calmed my mom and told her not to worry. He would make sure that the wiring and plumbing that ran close to the area would be OK and that he would make sure everything would taken care of. It was and we were all set quickly. So why did this make such an impression on me at the age of 8 or 9? Lessons in management and taking care of the customer. a Phil took charge. He made sure the other guys did the work right and it wasn’t even his responsibility. a He calmed my mother, making sure that she was OK. Talk about empathy! a He did the right thing and got the job done. Your father was a special man and someone I remember fondly. He was the perfect “customer service” guy and my family could always rely on him to get the work done. I am sorry for your loss and wish you the best as you get through this difficult time. David Barber
– David Barber
Our deepest sympathy prayers to the Murphy family for the loss of your Husband and Dad. He will be missed dearly. He was a very thoughful and pleasant person to be around. Sorry we can’t make the services. Your neighbors on Keswick Road, Ted Joanne
– Ted & Joanne Latham
Our Deepest Sympathies go to the Murphy Family. Phil will always be remembered with much Love. Love and Prayers to you all.
– Laurie and Danielle Colello
I was so saddened to see Phil’s obituary today. He was such a wonderful man. When I was working at Shaw’s I always enjoyed his trips in. He always had a smile and a kind word. I know he and Mom are both at peace now and enjoying the beauty of heaven. God Bless you all.
– Ann Russell
Our sincere condolences to the Murphy family. Phil will always have a very special place in our hearts and we will miss him dearly.
– Dana and Donna Costigan
My deepest condolences to all of you. Uncle Phil was the life of all parties and gatherings, and it’s impossible to think of him without seeing him smiling, gesturing, laughing, telling jokes. I feel so lucky to have had him in my life. I am so sorry that Dan and I won’t be able to come out for the services. We are both thinking of all of you and remembering Uncle Phil and grateful for having had him as our Uncle.
– Karen M. Clancy-Cribby
OUR CONDOLENCES FROM ALL YOUR FRIENDS AT REDLON JOHNSON our deepest sympathy to Lucy,Shawn and all the family. i’m sorry that I can’t make the service as I will be out of town,Dan
– DAN FRANCIS BOB WEBSTER
Our deepest sympathy to Lucy and family on the loss of your dear Phil. We only got to know Phil on the golf course, but he was one of the smiling, pleasant golfers one always wanted to see and be around. We always loved his laugh and his friendliness. Now that he is with God, maybe he will send us some golf tips from Heaven! May God’s love and grace surround you all in your time of mourning.
– Lorraine Martin & Diane Bennekamper
My condolences to Lucy and her family. Phil was a wonderful guy, and a great neighbor. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
– Patrick Norton
My Love and Prayers to the Murphy Family. I loved and enjoyed Phil’s friendship for many years. I will treasure all the memories of all of us and the good times we had together. Iloved his jokes and great sense of humor. He will be missed .The Guys are all together with tne Lord.Thank’s for tne great Memories Phil. Rest in peace. With Love Marilyn Wellington
– Marilyn Wellington
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Cherish the memories and know that he will always will be with you in your heart. All our love, The Cook Family: Deb, Jim, Matthew and Max
– Shawn, Kim, Maccoy and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Murphy family. May all of the memories that people are sharing about Phil comfort you.
– Alpine Title Services & Albrecht & Weegar