Alfred Lawrence Murphy, 96, Deacon of St. Bernard's Church at Holy Family Parish in Concord, died peacefully at home while surrounded by family on Monday, August 28, 2023. A longtime Concord resident, Al was the devoted husband for 59 years of the late JoEllen (Maliff) Murphy, who died in 2016.

Born in Quincy on September 10, 1926, he was the son of the late James P. and Adrienne B. (Keefe) Murphy. After attending Thayer Academy, he enlisted in the Navy during World War II, and was honorably discharged as a Sonarman. Subsequently, he received an undergraduate degree from Boston College, and later earned a Master's in education from Northeastern University. During Al's professional life, he led a long career as an Engineer for MITRE Corporation.

A man of unwavering faith, Al's dedication to the catholic church began at a young age. He taught CCD for years, and was ordained as a Deacon in 1988. He proudly performed the marriage ceremonies for his children, baptized all of his grandchildren and assisted them in their respective confirmation journeys. He was a Scout Master for Troop 169 in Concord and was a life member of Musketaquid Sportsman's Club. He also enjoyed playing Bridge at the Concord COA. Al could fix anything around the house. He loved making these projects teaching moments for his children to use later in life. He will also be remembered as an outdoors enthusiast who loved surf fishing, camping and hiking.

He was the beloved father of Paul Murphy and his wife Susan of Sturbridge, David Murphy and his wife Patricia of North Attleboro, Eileen Flannery and her husband Kevin of Concord, Sheila Murphy and her husband John of Brunswick, ME, Julianne Beyer and her husband Joseph of Concord, and Virginia Murphy of East Boston, and the proud grandfather to Caitlin Lonergan, Hillary, Meredith, Marlena, Teresa, and Jack Murphy, Ben and Cy Beyer, and Michael Flannery. He also leaves behind his great grandchildren, PJ, Connor and Liam Lonergan, a sister, Alice Daigle and her husband Fred and numerous nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late James Murphy.

Family and friends will gather for visiting hours on Thursday, August 31st from 4 to 7 pm in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center. His funeral will be held on Friday, September 1st at 9 am from Dee Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 am in St. Bernard's Church at Holy Family Parish, 12 Monument Square, Concord Center. Please click here to view the church live stream of the Mass .  Burial will follow with U.S. Navy military honors at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.

Concord's Town Flag will fly at half-staff on Friday, September 1, 2023 in honor of Al's faithful service during World War II.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.