Dr. Walter Joseph Murphy, Jr. passed away August 3, 2023 after a brief illness. He was able to spend his final days surrounded by his four children and wife Linda of 55 years, and visiting with his grandchildren and sister, sharing stories and laughter. They are all grateful for the wonderful team at Brigham & Women's hospital for the care and respect they provided Walter. He was an extremely devoted husband and patriarch to his family, a beloved pediatrician to decades' worth of children in Plymouth, and a role model to many for his kindness, intellect, compassion, humor, guidance and love of conversation.

Walter was raised in Medford, MA where he was born on June 18, 1944 to his parents Walter Joseph Murphy, Sr. and Francis Downey Murphy. In 1960, Walter met the love of his life, Linda, at church and graduated from Medford High School in 1962. He earned his undergraduate degree in 1966 with a distinction in biology from Boston University and later graduated from Georgetown Medical School in 1970, but not before marrying his high school sweetheart in 1968. They returned to MA for his internship at Boston Floating Hospital although were quickly relocated to Fort Huachuca, AZ where Walter served two years as an Army Captain. When service ended, Walter returned to MA where he completed his internship and residency at the New England Medical Center. During his last year of residency, he served as Chief Resident in pediatrics.

In 1976 Walter and his growing family moved to Plymouth where he joined with the Plymouth Pediatrics Group. Under the mentorship of Doctors Jim Gormley, Martin Gaynor, Richard Elliot and Marion Elliot, he helped the practice to grow at the Sandwich Street Plymouth Medical Building for the next 39 years. Over that time he would serve on the Jordan Hospital Board of Directors, Pilgrim Health Care Board of Directors, Harvard Pilgrim Board of Directors and he was instrumental in organizing the Physician Organization for Harvard Health.

In 1998, Walter received special recognition from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, the Roger H. Ebert Award of Distinction, citing that, "His unwavering commitment and vision were vital to the successful merger of Pilgrim Health Care and Harvard Community Health Plan." Other awards or recognition would follow: 2001 The Harvard Pilgrim Physician Leader Award, 2005 HPPA Founder's Award (for dedication to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and its legacy organizations, commitment to excellence in health care delivery and for principled and disciplined leadership of HPAA and PIPA), and in 2015 Walter was recognized in Cape Cod Magazine, as nominated by his peers, as one of the Top Doctors in the field of pediatrics. Walter officially retired on December 8, 2015.

Retirement allowed Walter to spend more time on his passions: reading, fishing, boating, photography, nature, golf and traveling with Linda. He loved to spend mornings sitting in his sunroom reading and was happiest surrounded by his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.

Walter was predeceased by his parents, brother Robert Murphy and stepfather James E. Twohig. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Linda Cheryl (Carapezza), daughters Jennifer Murphy, Michelle Murphy, Courtney Richardson & husband Ben, son James Murphy & wife Sonya and grandchildren Winter, Sedona, Taylor, Cooper, Madilyn, Peregrine, Aedan, Dylan & Caelyn. He also leaves behind his sister Ann Malbon and her husband Lee, sister-in-laws, Joanne Caruso, Deby Gervais and husband, Rick, and brother-in-law, Leonard Carapezza and wife, Nancy, as well as many loved nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements will be under the care of the Bartlett Funeral Home, 338 Court Street, Plymouth. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 10 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Peter's Church, 86 Court Street in Plymouth at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 11. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr. Richard M. Shiff Garden Fund to support the Plymouth Public Library Foundation Garden, a beautiful place that holds a special meaning to Walter and Linda.

Donations to the Shiff Garden Fund may be made online or mailed to:

Dr. Richard M. Shiff Garden Fund

℅ Plymouth Public Library Foundation

132 South Street

Plymouth, MA 02360