Salem- Francis "Frank" John Murphy Sr. (61), loving husband to Maura A. (Clarke), passed away on Friday February 9, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Salem, Frank was the son of the late Pamela A. (Ford) and Francis Joseph Murphy. Growing up, Frank was educated locally in Salem schools throughout his youth. He went on to attend St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers. In the mid-1970s he joined the crew of the Marblehead-based Rhodes 19-class racing sailboat Saffron. The boat and crew, local champions in 1977, traveled to Chicago for the national championship that year, and won handily among a large fleet of competitors from around the country.

Upon his graduation in 1980, he went onto attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. As a midshipman at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, Frank earned a varsity letter as a freshman on the academy's big-boat team, sailing the 46' custom ocean racer Sitzmark. After two years, Frank transferred to Salem State College and graduated in the class of 1984 and went onto work for Fidelity. After some time there, he transitioned into his lifelong family business at the Murphy Funeral Home in Salem, MA. He attended and graduated from New England Institute in Boston as a member of the class of 1985.

It was then Frank rose to the occasion of serving the greater Salem community. Devoted to his community, he cared for those in their most challenging times. Frank found purpose in being the person one would call on to guide them through their time of mourning. His ability to connect with others brought peace and comfort to everyone he encountered. During his career at the funeral home, he served on the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers in Massachusetts.  Frank's strong Catholic upbringing was seen in his willingness to volunteer his time and ideas to the board of Catholic Charities. Frank was also a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree. Frank was extremely proud of being a charter member of the Marblehead Harbor Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow.  Frank was also a corporator of Marblehead Bank and was also a proud member of the Boston Yacht Club for over 30 years.

Although Frank was dedicated to his work, it was his family that he loved more than anything. Frank met his wife, Maura, when he walked into Waters & Brown to buy a quart of paint and he has been paying for it ever since. Frank and Maura dated, fell in love, were engaged and then married all in the same year. It was considered a "Village Wedding".   Frank was a pillar in his community and the patriarch within his home too. Frank helped raise three kids, he was committed to not only providing for his family but supporting them in countless road trips for vacations, sport activities, school visits, and more. Frank enjoyed walking with his pack of doodles; Raglan, Sula, Gibbs, Abbie, and Cody were his loyal companions on many strolls throughout the greater North Shore community.  His favorite way to spend his time was with his family and dear friends. Whether Frank was leaving his home port on the North River, setting sail on Wednesday nights from the Boston Yacht Club, or fishing anywhere he could cast a line, he found solace and happiness most on the water.

The relationships he made with anyone he met were near and dear. Frank will be remembered for his kind heart, caring nature, compassion for others, his ingenuity, and for the time he gave to so many. Over the course of his life, he was a dedicated son and an entrusted brother. Most of all, he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Frank is survived by: his wife of 31 years Maura A. Murphy of Salem, his daughter Kaela A. Thomas and her husband Blake of Dover, NH, his son Francis J. Murphy Jr. and his wife Sydney and their daughter Magnolia of Marblehead, his daughter Catherine C. Murphy of Salem, his father Francis J Murphy of Salem, his brother Matthew Murphy and his wife Holly of Penobscot, ME, his brother Patrick Murphy and his wife Stephanie of Azusa, CA, and many nieces and nephews. Frank is predeceased by his mother Pamela A. Murphy (Ford).

A funeral mass will be held on Friday February 16, 2024 beginning at 10:00 AM at the Immaculate Conception Church, located at 15 Hawthorne Blvd. Salem. Burial will be following at Greenlawn Cemetery, 57 Orne St. Salem, MA. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday February 15, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Murphy Funeral Home, located at 85 Federal St. Salem. In memory of Frank, memorial contributions can be made to Swissridge Dogs for Kids Schomberg, Ontario or to the Alzheimer's Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter 309 Waverley Oaks Rd. Waltham, MA 02452 for the 2024 Boston Marathon or to the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter for the 2024 Chicago Marathon 225 N. Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60603. For more information or online guestbook, please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.