Michael J. Murphy

Michael J. Murphy, “Mike”, age 41, a long-time resident of Wilmington, formerly of Charlestown, passed away due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident on September 28, 2023.

Mike was born on January 17, 1982, in Boston, MA; he was the son of Michael F. “Mickey” and Janice M. (Ahearn) Murphy.  As a young child, Mike was educated in Charlestown and attended St. Catherine’s Church with his family.  He belonged to Charlestown Pop Warner, where he made many life-long friends.  The Murphy family moved to Wilmington in 1994, but Mike remained involved in Charlestown throughout his life; he always considered himself a “Townie.”

Mike graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 2001; he played football for a few years and belonged to the wrestling team.  Following graduation, Mike went to work for the Boston Shipping Association as a Longshoreman.  He worked for ILA Local 799 for over twenty-two years and served as Vice President of the Union.  Mike loved his job and the people he worked with.

Mike started his boxing career at age nine at the gym in Charlestown.  He had a passion for boxing; with hard work and dedication, Mike had quite a distinguished career.  He traveled to Lake Placid, NY where he won the New England Junior Olympic Championship for three years in a row starting in 1996.  Boxing remained an important part of Mike’s life; recently, he was working toward creating a charity for children who also had a passion for boxing.

Mike married Kimberly (Elwell) Murphy over seventeen years ago; they had two children, Dempsey Seamus, and Lyla Rose.  Dempsey and Lyla were the “light of Mike’s life”; he was so proud of them.  Mike enjoyed watching Dempsey’s sporting events and cheering him on from the stands.  Lyla and Mike had a special bond through their parallel personalities, and she knew just how to make Mike laugh.

Mike had several hobbies, but his favorite was playing the bagpipes.  Mike started playing as an adult, but he practiced almost every day to master the instrument.  He served as the President of the Charlestown Bunker Hill Pipe Band, which originated from the Halligan Club.  The band marched in several parades, including Charlestown’s Bunker Hill Day parade. Mike was generous with his time when he received requests to play at weddings and funerals; he really enjoyed being part of the bagpipe rituals.

Mike’s family and friends were most important to him; he was well known for organizing several “times” including a recent birthday party for his dad, Mickey.  Mike loved Christmas and planned a holiday party for his neighborhood complete with sleigh rides for the kids.  He enjoyed getting people together and having a good time.  Mike kept in touch with many people; he was the person who reached out to others and made sure he communicated with his life-long friends.

Mike will be remembered for his love of his Irish Heritage; he was well known as “Irish Mike” in his boxing career and loved all things Irish.  Mike will also be remembered for his fun-loving and gregarious personality.

Mike was the beloved husband of Kimberly A. (Elwell) Murphy, devoted father of Dempsey Seamus Murphy and Lyla Rose Murphy, cherished son of Michael F. “Mickey” and Janice M. (Ahearn) Murphy of Wilmington, dear brother of Kristen Burke & her husband John of Saugus, Daniel Murphy, Sean Murphy & his girlfriend Rachel Montagna, and Brendan Murphy all of Wilmington, loving uncle of Seamus Burke, brother-in-law of Michael Moran.  Mike is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Thursday, October 5th at 9:00 a.m. immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Dorothy’s Church, Main Street, (Rte. 38), Wilmington at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.  Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 4th from 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Memorial donations in Mike’s name may be made to the American Brain Foundation, 201 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN  55415.