December 20, 1936 – July 20, 2024
Gerald R. Murphy “Jerry,” a resident of Reading for 57 years, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2024, surrounded by his family, at the Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading. He was 87 years of age.
Jerry was born in Malden, Massachusetts, on December 20, 1936, the son of the late Dermid and Dorothy (Trickey) Murphy. Jerry grew up in Malden and graduated from Malden High School, where he captained the Golden Gales Basketball team. He went on to attend and graduate from Northeastern University in 1960 with a degree in Business. After graduation, Jerry joined the U.S. Army Reserves and served for 5 years stationed out of Ft. Devens. Northeastern was always near and dear to his heart. Jerry played two seasons for the Huskies, met his wife Roberta in his junior year, and went on to work for NU for 40 years in Research Administration until his retirement in 2002.
Jerry was happiest on the basketball court and loved playing with his team, the Wedding Knights, at Cabot Court. He continued daily lunchtime pick-up games with the boys, many more than half his age, right up until his retirement. Jerry had a quiet demeanor, always a friendly smile, and carried a quick step.
Jerry also loved spending time on the beach, there were frequent family trips to Dennisport, Rockport and Hampton beach during the summer. In his retirement Jerry enjoyed spending time in Naples, FL during the winter with Roberta. At home if the TV was on it was a sporting event, and nothing put a bigger smile on his face than his favorite, a mocha frappe.
Gerald was the beloved husband of Roberta (Morris) Murphy for 60 years. Devoted father of Michael D. Murphy and his wife Rosemary of Reading, Scott W. Murphy of Valencia, CA, and Robin K. Murphy and her partner Rex Ingram of Portland, OR. Loving grandfather of Sean, Timothy, Jack, Wyatt, Finn and Rex, Jr. Brother of Robert M. Murphy and his wife Marion of Wilmington and the late Bill Murphy and Jean D. Sullivan.
A visitation will be held at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading on Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 10am-12pm followed by a graveside service at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park 185 Lake St. Peabody at 12:30PM.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Gerald’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association 3201 Nevada St. Newton MA 02460 www.alz.org
