Francis J. Murphy

Francis Joseph “Frank” Murphy, 79, of Hudson peacefully passed away at home on August 20, 2024. Frank lived life to the fullest, extended a helping hand to anyone in need and loved with his whole heart. 

Born on August 13,1945 in Worcester, Frank was the son of Merle and Alice Murphy. He was raised in Hudson along with his brothers, Michael & Shawn, and his sister Rose Marie. 

Frank made Hudson his home for life and dedicated himself to the citizens of Hudson. He worked in the Forestry and Parks Division for the town’s Department of Public Works for over fifty years. Frank was a meticulous hard worker who took pride in the work he did, keeping the streets plowed in snowstorms, and tending to the trees in town. He loved decorating downtown every December for the holiday season, stringing up the holiday lights and hanging the wreaths on the lamp posts for all to enjoy.

Frank loved classic rock music, a good home-cooked meal, hot fudge sundaes with vanilla ice cream from Rota Spring Farm and rooting for all the New England sports teams from the Bruins to the Pats to the Celtics to the Red Sox. He was a jack of all trades who was perpetually in motion. Frank could be found tending to his lawn, mulching the flowers and trees in his yard, completing home renovation projects for his home as well as those of anyone who asked for help, and running his own tree removal and trimming business. He was the salt of the earth, would give people the shirt off his back, and had a heart of gold. 

Frank was an avid outdoorsman who took any opportunity he could to be in fresh air. He enjoyed spending time with his friends snowmobiling throughout the greater northeast and hiking Mount Wachusett, the White Mountains in New Hampshire and Mount Katahdin in Maine’s Baxter State Park, fishing at local ponds and lakes, biking along the Assabet River Rail Trail, and walking around Gates Pond in Hudson. Frank relished exploring the natural beauty of Arizona, visiting Sedona, especially Slide Rock, and Grand Canyon National Park. His favorite travel companion was his beloved wife, Terri.

Frank met Terri, the love of his life, in Hudson. They married on May 30,1987. They spent many years camping in Maine, soaking up the sun at Hampton Beach and Moody Beach, taking walks around the neighborhood, swimming in their pool, completing jigsaw puzzles, playing countless games of cards and cribbage, and hosting cookouts and pool parties. The love shared between Frank and Terri serves as the foundation for their family; their house is a true home. 

While Terri was Frank’s one true love, his grandchildren, Parker, Thomas and William were the light of his life, and he took great joy in their company. He absolutely loved and adored them, as well as their parents, and they in turn absolutely loved and adored Frank. He greeted them with big smiles and even bigger hugs. 

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Merle and Alice Murphy. He is survived by his brothers Michael Murphy and Shawn Murphy, and his sister, Rosemarie Carnes.

Cherished husband of Terri Murphy of Hudson, MA. He was the loving stepfather of Kevin Ruse and his wife, Beth of Mansfield, MA and Deron Ruse and his wife Melissa of Phoenix, AZ. Beloved grandfather/Poppa/Pa of Parker, Thomas and William Ruse. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand nephews, who affectionately referred to him as Uncle Frankenstein.

Rest in peace, Frank. You will be missed beyond measure. You leave behind a legacy of love. You will be with us always. Your spirit will live on in all who knew and loved you.

To respect Frank’s wishes, the family will not be holding funeral services. Please take a moment to privately cherish his memory in your own special way. Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Frank’s family with arrangements.

Donations in memory of Frank can be made to:

Hudson Community Food Pantry, P.O. Box 608, Hudson, MA 01749 (hcfp28@gmail.com)

National Audubon Society, 225 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 (support@audubon.org)