Born Dec. 25, 1912, in New Bedford, Mass., Mr. Murphy was the son of the late Edward Michael and Isabelle Yates Murphy. He was educated at Holy Name Elementary School, New Bedford High School and was a graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth in 1934.

After graduation, he was employed as a chemist for United Merchants Manufacturing Company in Clearwater, S.C. He later joined Mr. E.E. Proctor who had established Proctor Chemical Company, and they developed a manufacturing facility where he went on to serve as the company President. The plant was sold in 1973 to National Starch Company.

Mr. Murphy has always been very active in the civic life of Salisbury, having been a member of the Salisbury Jaycees, Salisbury Radio Club and Country Club of Salisbury. He served on the Board of First Union National Bank and was active in forming the Waterworks Art Center, where he established the Edward and Marion Murphy Art Library. He funded the original "Are You O.K." program at the Salisbury Emergency Center, which was designed to check on elderly people that are left alone. He established Educational Trusts at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Salisbury, where he was a member, and also at his home church in New Bedford and another private Educational Trust.

Mr. Murphy was known for his woodworking and contributed various items to churches and charities. He also built the altar for Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

He was honored in December of 2006 at a banquet given by the Catholic Daughters giving him the outstanding Emeritus Award for over 60 years of service to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.