Michael D. Murphy

Michael David Murphy, of Poland, ME, formerly of Lincoln, MA passed away on April 10, 2021 at his home. He was 65. Michael grew up in in Lincoln, MA, a small bedroom community outside of Boston. Being the middle child of a family with an older brother and a younger sister, he hardly ever looked for the spotlight, but always managed to get attention without ever trying. Once during a meal, Michael didn’t like the meat that was served, so he discretely stuffed it in his milk glass thinking no one would notice. Problem was, everyone noticed and bedlam ensued. Michael had a curious mind. His bedroom looked like the back room of a RadioShack store, as he loved to take anything electronic apart to see how it worked. He always loved being outdoors and enjoyed riding his bike to Hanscom Air Force Base to watch the jets take off and land. He was later a member of the Civil Air Patrol at Hanscom, and this began a lifelong love for all things aerospace. He later attended Lincoln-Sudbury High School and graduated with the Class of 1973. During his time at “LS” he ran cross-country track for three years, and even ran the Boston Marathon with our good friend, Ernie Taylor, back in 1971. After high school, Michael enjoyed hiking in the White Mountains in New Hampshire, climbing many of the summits there and furthering his love of nature. Michael was a kind man who loved his family, and was passionate about nature and conservation. He worked for the Town of Lincoln Conservation Commission for 25 years. He started as a Ranger and worked his way up to hold the position of Conservation Commission Manager. He helped build and maintain many of the public trails and park lands, and later in his tenure had influence over budgeting and policy decisions. If you drive through that little town, you will most likely see many fully grown beautiful trees that he planted and cared for. In retirement, Michael volunteered for conservation work in the lovely town of Poland, Maine. Michael loved taking care of his land, planting his garden, and being outside in nature. Michael also had a love for model airplanes and trains. As an amateur mechanic, Michael was very handy with repairing his own vehicles and tools, a love of tinkering he has passed on to his son. Michael is survived by his two children, Melissa Murphy of Casco, ME and Brian Murphy of Milford, MA, four grandchildren, his ex-wife Dawn Monroe, his sister Sally Fleming of Maynard, MA and his brother Joe Murphy of Wimberley, TX. The entire family has contributed to this obituary by providing information and memories of their departed father, grandfather, and brother. Michael will be missed. We will love him forever. Be at peace, Michael. Relatives and friends will gather for a graveside service in Lincoln Cemetery, Lexington Road, Lincoln MA on Friday, July 9th at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to The Nature Conservancy: https://support.nature.org/ Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.