Robert "Bob" Matthew Murphy

Robert “Bob” Matthew Murphy, age 84, of Carlisle, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Bob lived a life full of sports, education, travel, and love, all of which he shared with those close to him.

Bob was born on Saturday, August 24, 1940, in Buffalo, NY to the late James Mathew Murphy and Rose Marie (Pinelli) Freeland. He went to high school at Bishop Timon - St. Jude High School, which he often accredited for setting his life on a straight and narrow path. After high school, Bob went to Gannon University. He did odd jobs at the nearby and formerly girls-only Mercyhurst University, where he met the love of his life, Kathleen Lynch.

Bob or “Goppy”, as he was lovingly named by his grandchildren, is survived by his wife of 61 years, Kathleen “Kathy” Marie (Lynch) Murphy; his five children: Christopher (Maribeth) Murphy, of Mechanicsburg, Kelli Murphy of Carlisle, Kathleen (Jeff) Morman , of Moscow, Kerri (Taylor) Andrews, of Carlisle, and Erinrose (Ryan) Velthuis , of Tokyo, Japan; his nine grandchildren: Aislinn (Mathew), Justin, Megan, Conner, Brice, Kaitlyn, Ian, Audra, Colin; his only great-grandchild: Sloane; his two siblings: Frank (Cindy) Roman, of Buffalo, NY and Rose Marie (Jim) Schuler, of Simpsonville, SC; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his sister, Gina (Murphy) Maness who is survived by Dal Maness. 

Bob served 22 years in the Army with combat time in the Vietnam War and overseas tours in Panama and (West) Germany. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and received many awards and honors, including the Bronze Star. Valuing higher education, Bob earned his Masters and PhD. Transitioning to a new phase in life, he instructed the next generation at St. Bonaventure University and at the US Army War College. On top of these professional achievements, Bob was a published author of numerous articles and two books.

For all those who knew him, his perseverance and intellect stood out as he approached life with a can-do attitude. In addition, he had a competitive spirit which was frequently on display playing cards or sports. His family and friends would hear him say “Murphy is my name, and pressure is my game,” after which he would make the most unbelievable play.  He was an ardent golfer who finally met his goal of shooting below his age. 

Having never truly left Buffalo, Bob had a special passion for the Buffalo Bills Football Team. He would track their progress each season across the globe as he traveled. His love of football expanded to include Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish football team. Even when his teams were not doing well, he could be seen sporting their t-shirt -- a true fan until the very end.

To Bob, family was everything and while the noise level often irritated him, he not-so-secretly loved it when all 20 of his kids, grandkids, and great-grandchild came to the house for spaghetti, cards, and “quality time.”

Contributions in celebration of Bob’s life can be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

All are welcome to join the Murphy Family at the Gathering of Family and Friends on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the Time of Remembrance at 11:00 a.m. at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation). The Murphys invite everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship immediately following the Time of Remembrance, after which military honors will be presented by the Cumberland County Honor Guard. Bob's private burial will take place in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville.

The Murphy family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Bob's full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.