Roll Call Tribute

Stephen Leo Murphy 

March 2, 1942 - April 23, 2024 

Stephen Leo Murphy was born in Winchester, Massachusetts on March 2nd, 1942, to parents Henry and Helen Murphy. He was the youngest, born after brothers Robert and Donald. He attended local schools, and then attended Texas A&M University. During his time there, he served in the Army Corps of Cadets and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Architectural Construction in 1964. He went on to serve in the US Army as a Company Commander in Germany from 1967-1969, receiving an honorable discharge.

He met his wife, Susan (Johnson) Murphy, through mutual friends and they married on July 4, 1971, at St. Eulalia’s Church in Winchester, MA. Daughter Sharon was born in 1972, followed by Brenda in 1974, and Kristen in 1975.

In 1977 Stephen earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Northeastern University. His career as an executive in construction management spanned many states and hundreds of commercial projects, and his work took the family from Massachusetts to New York, Connecticut, Maryland, and ultimately to California in 1984. He was part of industry associations and enjoyed serving on the Town of Danville Planning Commission and Finance Committee, as well as the neighborhood HOA. In each new community, Stephen and his family found a local Catholic parish in which to celebrate their faith.

Stephen loved sailing, and always made time for exercise, be it running, biking, or playing in the church’s adult basketball program. He enjoyed traveling and visiting National Parks and museums. He had a love of gardening and took pleasure in working in the yard.

When he retired in 2009, Stephen and Susan moved to Rancho Murieta, CA to be close to their daughters and their families. He found much joy in forming close bonds with each of his seven grandchildren and passed along the importance of education to them.

Stephen volunteered in many different capacities in Rancho Murieta: American Cancer Society Relay For Life, Boy Scouts, the Rancho Murieta Maintenance Committee, and at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Henry Murphy, and his brother, Donald Murphy. He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Murphy; daughter Sharon Dodson (John); daughter Brenda Carmichael (Blake); daughter Kristen Boudreaux (Chris); and grandchildren Jason Dodson, Alexis Dodson, Anne Carmichael, Devin Dodson, Owen Carmichael, Anthony Boudreaux, and Matthew Boudreaux; brother Robert Murphy (Joanne).