Kenneth F. Murphy

Kenneth Murphy, a Customer Development Manager, died December 26, 2006 at the New England Medical Center. His wife, Bobbi Jo, his 2 sons, Scott and Kevin, his mother and his 7 siblings were at his bedside. ?He's in a better place now,? Bobbi Jo said while hugging her 2 sons. There was sadness in the room coupled with a sense of relief because Ken had been spending way too much time in Hospitals during the past couple of years. Ken was well known in the food industry where he worked for the past 35 years. During that time, he worked for Food Enterprises and most recently, Advantage Sales and Marketing. He followed in the footsteps of his dad, Joe Murphy, whose career was also in the food service industry with First National Stores and Roberts Associates. Taking another page from his father's playbook, Ken enjoyed organizing fundraisers for charitable causes. Over the years he spent a great many hours developing strategies and organizing events to help those who were in need of a helping hand. The Visiting Nurses Association of Boston, Children's Hospital and the Mass Hospital School are but a few of the organizations that have benefited from Ken's efforts. Ken was also an avid supporter of his son's athletic endeavors. He rarely missed a game whether it was little league, high school or college. Scott fondly recalls the 1997 Xaverian-Everett Super Bowl game in which he played knowing his Dad was holed up at a convention in Chicago. Midway through the first quarter he heard a familiar voice barking out encouragement and looking towards the end zone saw his Dad, in a suit and tie fresh from the airport, cheering him on. Following the game and a hug to Scott, he went right back to Chicago. Then there was Kevin's hoop tilt at St. John's in Shrewsbury amid a Nor'Easter. Ken just had to be there rooting on the Hawks. Following the game, Kev went over to him and expressed his appreciation for attending and his Dad Said, ?The best way you can thank me is by going to your kid's game down the road.? Kevin's never forgot this and is committed to following his Dad's recommendation, down the road. Ken will be greatly missed by his family, his friends and his colleagues as he often assumed the role of peace keeper and issue sorter-outer whenever some sort of friction occurred. He could always step away from the fray, look at the bigger picture and offer his recommendation on how to resolve a difficult situation. Ken is survived by his wife Barbara ?Bobbi Jo? O'Leary Murphy, 2 sons, Scott M. Murphy of Quincy and Kevin J. Murphy of Pembroke, his mother, Marie Murphy of Milton, 6 brothers, Jim Murphy of Quincy, Johnny Murphy of Dorchester, Tommy Murphy pf Hingham, Paul Murphy of Hyde Park, Brendan Murphy of Weymouth and Mark Murphy of Dorchester and 1 sister, Jeanne Ford of Easton. He was the brother of the late Kathleen Murphy. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 10 AM in St. Mary of the Sacred Heart Church, 392 Hanover Street, Rte 139 in Hanover. Interment in Cedar Grove Cemetery in Dorchester. Visiting hours in the Sullivan Funeral Home, 551 Washington Street, Rte 53 in HANOVER on Friday from 3-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Norwell Visiting Nurse Association, 320 Washington Street, and Norwell MA 02061.