Richard “Dick” Charles Murphy

LONG ISLAND – Richard “Dick” Charles Murphy of Long Island, Maine, peacefully passed away on July 2, 2025 at the age 81. Dick was born on Sept. 19, 1943 to Bernice and John R “Jack” Murphy. He grew up in South Portland, Maine and graduated from Cheverus High School and later Husson college.

Dick served in the Maine National Guard for almost 10 years. He worked for Unum Insurance Company in Maine, Louisiana, and Massachusetts and after retirement returned to work for Standard Insurance of Oregon until his final retirement.

Dick was known for his wise words of advice, his caring and thoughtful demeanor, and his wicked sense of humor. He was married to his beloved wife Martha Jane Murphy in June 1968. Dick was a beloved and devoted father to his children John and Katie Murphy and his wards Alex and Nicholas. He was affectionately known as “Big Guy” to his many grandchildren, which he was delighted by.

Dick was very involved in the Long Island community. He was president of the Long Island Civic Association for many years, the Planning Board chairman, a town selectman, chairman of the Community Center fundraising and building committees, and an ambulance driver for the Long Island Fire and Rescue. He volunteered with several local lobsterman as a sternman and offered his services wherever there was need in the community. The Island recognized his service with the Franics “Tiny” Murphy Award in 2021.

He was an avid music lover and loved watching his daughter perform with her band. He liked the watching the New England sports teams, especially the Red Sox and the Patriots, his alma Cheverus, and would often bat rocks on the beach to relax.

Dick was predeceased by his parents, his sisters Janet Elliot, Mary Jo Howell, and Susan Bulter.

He is survived by his wife Martha Jane Murphy; his son John and his wife Meg Murphy, his daughter Katie Murphy and her partner Cory Courtois, wards Alex and his wife Jessica Anderson and Nicholas and his wife Becca Anderson. Dick leaves behind his cherished grandchildren Eleanor, Brodyn, Benaiah, Cutler, Tilly, Lyndie, Palmer, and Theodore. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth “Beth” Murphy; as well many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Jane and her family would like to thank Island Commons of Chebeague Island for their exemplary care of Dick in his final year of life.

A celebration of life service is planned for Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. at the Long Island Community Center followed by a lunch at the Long Island VFW Hall.

In lieu of flowers,

the family kindly requests donations to:

Island Commons of Chebeague Island

132 Littlefield Rd.

Chebeague Island, ME 04017 or to:

The Long Island

Fire and Rescue

Long Island, ME 04050