Michael D. Murphy

Michael Donald Murphy of Lakeville, MA, age 77, departed for his heavenly journey at Morton Hospital in Taunton, MA, on January 20, 2025, after chronic illness. Mike was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, and settled in Wellesley, MA, as a child with his parents Eric Murphy and Dorothy Pulsifer Murphy and siblings, Elizabeth and Peter Murphy.  He attended Wellesley High School then graduated from Burdett Business College. He proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam Veteran.

His career led him to parts procurement and information technology. He had a wonderful knack for fixing things.  He enjoyed the outdoor life, camping, boating and hunting. He was an avid cyclist and rode in MS 200 bike marathons and other charity rides. 

His greatest talent was his phenomenal guitar playing.  It was his true passion.  Beginning in his teens with the “Red Blazers” and throughout his life, he played in countless bands including “The Spellbinders” as the lead guitarist. He backed “The Drifters” and opened for country music artists, George Jones and Aaron Tippin. He was a self-taught musician and brought his own unique style to his playing. He also served the “Notable Blend” women’s barbershop chorus, which his wife directed, as the sound equipment manager.

Mike was a very social character, made many friends and always helped those in need. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh and tell stories. He was a member of the Victory Baptist Church in Fairhaven, MA.  He was a revolutionary war reenactor with the Rehoboth Minute Company. He was also a member of the Taunton Rifle and Pistol Club, the VFW, the NRA and both the Lakeville and Middleboro Senior Centers.  He attended many rallies at the state house and had a strong conviction for the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. He was a true patriot.

Above all else, Mike was extremely devoted to his wife and was the loving patriarch of a blended family.  He exemplified patience, tolerance and a sound moral character.  He was an avid reader and great teacher. He enjoyed daily walks at the Middleboro Herring Run with his beloved dog, Milo.

Mike is survived by his wife, Noreen Fratus; daughter, Jessica Murphy; stepsons, Neil Fratus and Scott Fratus; his sister Elizabeth (Beth) Murphy; mother-in-law, Lora Farley, and was predeceased by his brother Peter Murphy. He leaves behind with fond memories his grandchildren, Kaylee Vicente of Nashua, NH, Shane Taylor and Trent Taylor of Exeter, RI, Nathan Fratus and Jesika Salisbury of Coventry, RI, and Rylan, Alianna and Aubrey Fratus of Brockton, MA. He also leaves two great-grandchildren, niece Shauna Anderson of CA, and nephews Ryan Antoniuc of NJ, Matthew Murphy and Nicholas Murphy of NH, and their families including loving cousins from Montreal and Nova Scotia, Canada.

His passing has left a deep hole in our hearts. Mike and his beautiful music will be missed dearly.

An honor guard service will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 1:30 PM at the Thompson Veteran Cemetery, 185 Rhode Island Road, Lakeville, followed by a Memorial “Celebration of Life” Service at the Loon Pond Lodge at Ted Williams Camp, 28 Precinct Street, Lakeville, MA.

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