Lawrence E. Brophy

Lawrence E. “Larry” Brophy, of Harwich, formerly of Hyde Park passed into eternal rest on March 29, 2023, after a brief illness.  

Larry was born to the late Lawrence A. “Pat” Brophy and Dorothy Mae Furbush Brophy of Waltham, MA.  The eldest of five siblings and father to four sons, Larry was a natural caregiver with the kindest heart.  After Waltham High School, Larry joined the United States Air Force where he was stationed abroad. He went on to study at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia and met the love of his life, Nan Elizabeth MacDougald.  After moving back to Boston, he earned a Master of Urban Affairs, City Planning from Boston University.

Always ready to crack a joke or lend a helping hand, he had a positive and profound impact on countless lives.  Whether through his 20+year career as a Senior Planner for the Boston Redevelopment Authority or his role as Community Affairs Advisor at Northeastern University, Larry had a unique ability to make connections and find common ground.  He later took those skills to Cape Cod where he served as a member of the Harwich Planning Board and the Affordable Housing Trust. In his free time, he was an avid golfer who loved to entertain and take care of others.

Larry and Nan spent many winters in Florida and loved to travel the world together, making new friends along the way. Whether on the golf course, at one of his favorite restaurants or his grandchildren’s sporting events, Larry made a friend everywhere he went.   He was a great man who laughed heartily, loved deeply and cried freely.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Nan, and their four sons and their spouses, Patrick & Eileen Brophy of Dorchester, MA, Donald & Kerri Brophy of Melrose, MA, Jonathan L. Brophy & Simon Holguin of West Hollywood, California and David Brophy & Meghann Murray of Quincy, MA.  He was the proud “Poppa” to his seven admiring grandchildren: Connor, Patrick, Kiera, Finbar, Aidan, Kendall & Quinn who will miss his detailed stories, well-timed jokes, creative mocktails and worldly advice. 

He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses: Donald & Carole Brophy of The Villages, Florida, Carolyn & Bruce Coughlin of Framingham, MA, Charlie & Christine Brophy of Norwood, MA & Susan Brophy of Waltham, MA as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends around the world. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Larry’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Tuesday, April 4th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street, Waltham, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial is private.  

Those wishing to view the broadcast (and recording) of Larry's service please use this link: https://my.gather.app/remember/lawrence-brophy