Robert William Murphy

Robert William Murphy, resident of New Bern, passed away Monday, May 16th surrounded by family in his home. He was 74. He is survived by his loving wife Corinne Murphy; daughter Kathleen Hughes and husband David Hughes, daughter Meghan Murphy; son Michael Murphy, sister Lorraine Fahey and her husband Ed Fahey, and dog Lily. He also leaves behind three grandchildren Hunter, Nicholas, and Ethan Hughes.

Robert lived a full active life, known to his friends as the Renaissance Man, his skills spanned painting, drawing, sculpting, sailing, piloting his airplane, woodworking and carving, photography, golfing, and kayaking. He once built an entire boat from the trunks of trees, scored a 132 yard hole-in-one on the fairway of Greenbriar, and received many awards for his photography work.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Robert is a graduate of University of Pittsburgh with a degree in engineering. He spent a lifelong career with Alcoa as an engineer and then plant safety manager in Pittsburgh, PA and Bettendorf, IA. Retiring to New Bern in 1998, Robert became a photographer with The Sun Journal, shooting events across eastern North Carolina. About 10 years later, he took his second retirement to enjoy golfing and sailing with his wife, and time in his workshop.

The family will receive friends Thursday May 19th from 5 - 7pm at Cotten Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on Friday May 20th at 1:00.

Online condolences can be made at cottenfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.