SOUTHWICK: Earl J. Murphy, 81, (1940 – 2022) passed away on March 20, 2022 in Southwick, Massachusetts. He spent his final days in the 
home he loved, surrounded by family and friends.
Born in Manchester, CT in 1940 to Earl and Shirley Murphy, Earl fondly recalled his childhood days spent around Amston Lake in Hebron, CT. He graduated from RHAM high school in 1958 and enlisted in the United States Army in 1961, serving with the Army Security Agency while stationed in Korea.
In 1967, Earl met his wife of 52 years, Rose Murphy, in Denver, CO. They made their way to Florida, where his family had relocated, and married in Palm Beach in 1969. Earl graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 1970 before heading back to New England and earning his Masters in History at UMASS Amherst in 1972.
Having stayed with his aunt on the Congamond Lakes during their honeymoon travels, Earl and Rose returned and bought a house of their own in Southwick in 1973. He worked in town as a machinist at B & E Tool Company until 1976, when they opened Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts, a business that would become a fixture in the community and a source of great pride.
Earl is survived by Rose; daughter, Shane Smith and her husband, Zachary Smith; daughter, Leigh Murphy and her husband, Michael Burgamaster; and 7 much adored grandchildren: Bryce Steinberg, Grady Steinberg, Chase Steinberg, Quinn Murphy, Laney Smith, Miriam Murphy, and Michael Murphy. He also leaves behind a brother, James Murphy and wife, Kate; a sister, Corinne Porter and husband, Gordon; former sister-in-law, Jean Murphy; and many, many nieces and nephews. Earl will also be remembered by the countless friends he made over the years – those he met as a boy in Connecticut, the men he served with in Korea, the many people he befriended on both sides of the counter at Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts, and the fishing buddies with whom he spent so many of his finest moments.
Although he never stood at the front of a classroom, Earl was a teacher at heart. If he thought something was extraordinary, beautiful, or just plain entertaining, he had to share it with the people around him. It might have been a song, a book, a movie, a restaurant, a fishing lure, a good beer or a great story. Had you heard this? Seen this? Tried this? He would make sure you didn’t miss out. Those who spent some time with Earl will undoubtedly remember him for his generosity and his kindness. He will be dearly missed.
All services are private. Southwick Forastiere Funeral & Cremation, 624 College Highway, Southwick, MA is entrusted with arrangements. www.forastierefuneralhome.com
