Exeter, NH – Steven M. Murphy, 65, of Exeter, passed away peacefully on April 28th 2024 at the Hyder Family Hospice house surrounded by family after losing his brief battle with cancer. He was born on August 4th, 1958 in Springfield IL and was the son of Thomas and Norma (Radar) Murphy.
Steven was raised in Acton MA, graduating from Acton-Boxborough Regional High with the Class of 1976. He went on to graduate from the University of Maine Orono in 1980 obtaining a degree in Microbiology and served as Captain of the Varsity Rifle Team. He started his career in the Seafood Business as a QA Tech for Fishery Products in 1980, eventually working his way up to Director of Research and Development for various seafood companies across the country, eventually retiring in 2022.
Steven loved his family fiercely, most importantly his wife Kim. He was always looking for ways to shower her with love abiding by the quote ‘Happy Wife, Happy Life’ as he would affectionately tease her. His face would light up whenever any of his children would walk through the door- eager to catch up on life, give advice, or infamously belt out “Family Tradition”. Affectionately known as Papa, he found immense joy spending time with his granddaughters McKenzey and Avereigh creating lifetime memories that they will cherish forever.
Steven is survived by his wife Kimberly C. Murphy of Exeter NH, his step son Richard Collins and his wife Kathleen of Exeter NH, his step daughter Rachael Collins and her fiancé Daniel Clark of Barrington NH, his granddaughters McKenzey and Avereigh Collins, his father Thomas Murphy of Allenstown NH, his brother John Murphy and his wife Marilyn of Allenstown NH, a niece Mary Jean Murphy and her daughter Justice of Ocala FL , and a nephew John Thomas Murphy of Concord NH.
Steven is predeceased by his beloved mother Norma Murphy and his bestie granddog Bailey Anne.
Steven’s family would like to thank the Hyder Family Hospice House for their care and support during Steven’s final days.
Steven’s family plans to hold a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover NH.
Denise Boudreau says
So very sorry for your loss Kim.my condolences to you and your family
Rachael says
Thank you Denise
Pete Carpenter says
Kim and family…So sorry to hear about Steve. I really enjoyed working with him at National Sea and Fishery Products back in the day. Murph taught me quite a bit about ‘fish squishing’ and some of the technical aspects of seafood processing that I still carry with me today…not to mention a fair amount of laughs along the way!
Rachael says
Thank you Peter for sharing. Steve did excel at mixing sarcasm and wit into his “teachings”. It’s definitely one of the things I will miss the most.
Ron Stpierre says
My deepest condolences to Kim and all of Steve’s family. He was a good guy and it was so sad to hear of his illness. I worked with Steve at FPI and High Liner Foods for 25 years and learned a lot from him. There were many projects where we worked together, and Steve was clearly competent and passionate about his work. You could also see his passion when he spoke about his hobbies outside of work. Most important, he would perk up when talking about his family. You will be in my thoughts, as you have been the past few weeks. Again, my deepest condolences to all of you. Ron St.Pierre
Rachael says
Thank You Ron. It’s really heart warming to hear how much of an impact Steve had on colleagues, thanks for sharing with us.
Kelly Beloin says
Sending my heartfelt condolences to you,Kim, and the rest of Steve’s Family. I worked for many years with Steve. He was an excellent advisor in QA and a man of many words. Would love to sit in his dark office on a Friday afternoon to review the week, laugh and vent. He was a special person with a “tough man” Heart of Gold. RIP Murph.