Mr. Dennis M. Murphy

Dennis M. Murphy passed away on Tuesday March 17, 2015 at Hillcrest Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Pittsfield. Born in Pittsfield on August 3, 1946 the son of the late Leonard J. and Ethel Ahlen Murphy, he attended Pittsfield Schools, graduating from Pittsfield High School in 1964 where he was a member of the school’s basketball team. In 1966 he enlisted in the Navy as a radio operator and played on the all Navy basketball team, which played for the National Armed Forces Championship in 1966. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he attended Berkshire Community College from 1970-1972 where he also played on the basketball team. Upon leaving BCC where he was the school’s all-time leading point scorer, a record that he held for several years and where he earned the Outstanding College Athletes of America award in 1972, he transferred to the former North Adams State College. He worked at the Pittsfield Boys & Girls Club for over 30 years coaching and refereeing youth basketball. He also coached 14-15 year old Babe Ruth baseball in Pittsfield. As an all-star coach he took several teams to the state and regional tournaments and in 1995 made it to the Babe Ruth World Series in Millville, NJ, where they finished 5th in the nation. He was employed early in his career at Prudential Insurance, then went to work as a salesman for Clay-Burke and Coastal Beverage and also bartended at the Home Plate Café for many years. He enjoyed watching sports and was a fan of the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots and Boston Celtics, along with college basketball and football. He also enjoyed his vegetable garden and vacationing in coastal Maine with friends and family. He is survived by his wife, the former Denise Dellea, whom he married October 28, 1977. He is also survived by his two children, Jennifer of Dedham, MA and Michael of Pittsfield; his sister, Lynn K. Murphy of Pittsfield; sister in law, Diane Chamberlain; mother in law, Barbara Dellea; nephews, Todd Rilla, Steven Chamberlain and Calvin Murphy; a niece, Shauna Murphy-Blake; his uncle, Robert Ahlen; an aunt, Elizabeth Dutton, many cousins, many wonderful friends and his beloved dog Shadow. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Gary Murphy and Peter Murphy. FUNERAL NOTICE Calling hours for Mr. Dennis M. Murphy will be at the DWYER FUNERAL HOME on Sunday March 22, 2015 from 2 to 5 p.m. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice in care of the funeral home, 776 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Dennis M. Murphy

August 3, 1946 - March 17, 2015