Donald Philip Murphy, 82, passed away April 12, 2013, at a Bangor health care facility. He lived happily in Bangor most of his life. He was born April 10, 1931, in a family farmhouse in Knox, Pa., the son of Anne Hutchinson and John Murphy.
They later moved to Oil City, Pa., where Don grew up with his brothers and a sister. He married Bertrand Stinson, who predeceased him. Later in life, Don and Joan A. Durgan Murphy were married for over 10 happy years. They shared Joan’s family of children, Robert E. and Terri Durgan and two grandchildren, Lindsey F. Durgan and Emilie R. Durgan and the two families of Linda Durgan Medeiros and Ken Durgan. Along with his stepchildren and grandchildren, Nancy Moore and Pauline Quellette, his dear friends and their families, shared a loving and special place in his life.
Grace United Methodist Church, Bangor, was his church family home where he actively served for over 40 years. Don served in the U.S. Air Force for over 20 years, on Air Force bases around the United States and Asia. After his military retirement he worked another 16 and a half years in Stewart Common at the University of Maine, Orono, retiring in 1987, but not from his amazing cooking. Don was a huge Red Sox Fan and hardly missed listening or watching a game in over 35 years of play. He was an avid bowler who bowled five times a week and founded a tournament or two over the years. His dog, Angel, kept him entertained for 12 years. He moved to Maine Veteran’s Home, Bangor, in 2012. He is remembered fondly for his faith in God, love of his family and friends, kindness to all, generosity, attention to detail and organization, and thoughtfulness.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date at a time to be announced. Donations in his memory may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 193 Union St., Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor.