More detail on this person: SOMERSET-Cornelius "Neal" M. Murphy, Jr., 81, of Somerset, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2023. He was the loving husband of June E. (Eisenhardt) Murphy, with whom he shared 42 wonderful years of marriage. Born in Boston, Neal was the oldest son of Cornelius and Dorothy Murphy. During the Vietnam War, Neal honorably served his country in the U.S. Army, piloting many successful AH-1G Cobra helicopter missions in support of the war effort. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in recognition of his heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. After the war, he went on to hold a long and prominent career as an engineer for the Gillette Company in Boston for 38 years. Neal was a longtime member of the VFW Post 2045 in Swansea and the Congregational Christian Church of Somerset. Civically minded, Neal volunteered countless hours of his time for the betterment of his community. Neal was an industrious man who always had the perfect tool for every task. He enjoyed nothing more than helping his family and friends with household projects, admiring a job well done, and discussing the next project over a celebratory beer. For Neal, using his talents to help people was truly a labor of love. In his spare time, Neal enjoyed playing golf, tennis, skiing, traveling and was always up for a rousing debate. Most of all, he was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, patriot and dear friend to so many. Neal will be deeply missed by his loving family and countless lifelong friends. Surviving in addition to his wife are his daughter Kerri (Murphy) Driscoll and her husband Patrick of North Attleborough; sister, Nancy (Murphy) Yachimski and her husband Edward of Marshfield; Sister-in-law Barbara (Eisenhardt) Smith and husband Lewis of Somerset; grandchildren, Jack and Danny; and niece Melissa and her partner Vicky. He was the brother of the late John "Jack" Murphy. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Neal's memorial service on Saturday, June 24, 2023 beginning at 11am in the Congregational Christian Church, 1411 County St., Somerset. A time of fellowship will follow immediately in the church hall. Arrangements entrusted to the Hathaway Community Home for Funerals, Somerset. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to New Englanders Helping Our Veterans (https://www.nehov.org/) and thanking veterans for their service or the Congregational Christian Church of Somerset at the address above.
This information was last updated 06/13/2024
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Date posted on this site: 07/12/2025
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