Bernard M. Murphy

Bernard M. Murphy, of Waltham, died Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at his home. He was 91.

Bernie was born in Waltham on November 23, 1933, one of ten children born to the late John R. and Mary V. (McDermott) Murphy. After graduating from Waltham High School he joined the United States Marine Corps and served as a combat engineer for four years during the Korean War.

In November, 1962 he married Providence, Rhode Island native Marjorie I. (Dunton) Murphy and the couple made Waltham their lifelong home. They enjoyed more than fifty-six years together before Marjorie’s passing in April, 2019.

Until his retirement Bernie worked hard as a bricklayer on projects large and small. He used his eyes, hands and trowel the same way that an artist uses a brush . . . Bernie made the job look easy. Complex arches were one his specialties and driving around Waltham and its environs he could point out projects he’d completed decades ago.

He was a longtime member of the Allied Bricklayers Union.

In addition to taking good care of his own home Bernie could be relied upon to help family and friends with his advice and talent. He enjoyed watching sports on t.v., especially hockey and football . . . and whenever the Chiefs were on he never missed an opportunity to watch Patrick Mahomes in action.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Marjorie, Bernie was predeceased by his sister and brothers, Jeanne O’Neill, James Murphy, LCPL Michael Murphy, USMC and Robert Murphy.

He leaves his children, Elizabeth M. Callan of Marlborough, Bernard M. Murphy, Jr. of Waltham, Kathleen M. Rose of Walpole and Maura E. Murphy of Rocky Hill, Connecticut; his grandchildren, Sydney Callan, Wesley Rose and Ceilli Dugan; his brothers and sisters, John Murphy, Jr. of Framingham, Patricia Reid of Plymouth, Mary Murphy, Paul Murphy and Margaret Murphy, all of Waltham and many nieces, nephews and their families.

Family and friends will honor and remember Bernie's life by gathering for a Morning Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, May 9th from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. followed by his Funeral Service at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.