Nearly 1,000 people gathered in Norwood to honor Marine Corporal Richard B. Murphy, a 19‑year‑old Norwood resident killed in Vietnam on June 15. A solemn high mass of requiem was held at St. Catherine of Siena Church, where Father Paul J. McManus delivered an emotional eulogy before a standing‑room‑only crowd. The church was filled with police and fire officials from Boston and surrounding communities, state and local politicians, veterans organizations, and a 15‑member Marine detachment from the South Weymouth Naval Air Station.
Father McManus read a letter Cpl. Murphy had written three weeks before his death. In it, Murphy said that his faith and his weapon were the only support he had in battle. He acknowledged the anguish his mother must feel but wrote that he never needed to leave home to know he had “the best parents in the world.” He asked that prayers be offered for soldiers serving in Vietnam.
In his eulogy, Father McManus described Murphy as a young man transformed by war into “a man of great faith… a man of prayer,” saying that in giving his life, “Dick Murphy became a saint,” defined not by piety but by genuine love for God and his fellow man.
The 10 a.m. ceremony began as more than 50 automobiles arrived at the church, with the hearse escorted by six Marines on foot. Chief and Mrs. Murphy entered with their nine children between a cordon of nearly 100 uniformed and civilian officials. The oppressive 94‑degree heat forced several attendees to leave early, and one Marine had to be assisted outside.
Final services were held at Highland Cemetery, where the Marine detachment fired three rifle volleys behind a fieldstone wall. The flag from the coffin was folded and presented to Mrs. Murphy. Kathy Keefe, 16, of the Norwood Drum and Bugle Corps Debonnaires, played Taps, with Diane Paquette, 12, sounding the echo.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More Norwood Veteran Stories
-
Town Mourns War Hero Col. George T Lee-October 7, 1954
Town Mourns War Hero Col. George T Lee-This Day In Norwood History-October 7, 1954
-
Col George T Lee, War Ace and Pilot, Killed in Jet Crash-This Day in Norwood History-October 6, 1954
Col George T Lee, War Ace and Pilot, Killed in Jet Crash-This Day in Norwood History-October 6, 1954
-
Norwood Sailors Aboard Carrier In Mediterranean-April 9, 1953
SIXTH MLEET (FHTNC)— The attack carrier USS Midway was engaged in ‘’Operation Rendezvous” in the Mediterranean Sea from March 17 to 25. Aboard the Midway are Edward C. Hayman, machinist’s mate third class, USN, son of Mr and Mrs. C. L. Hayman of 54 Rockhill street, and husband of Mrs Carolyn Hayman of 51 Veterans…
-
Norwood In The Service-March 26, 1953
Finish Training Al Parris Island Joseph T. Crowe and Vincent J. Lee Jr, both of Norwood, recently completed their recruit training at Parris Island, S.C., the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, and were promoted to Private First Class and won the silver badge of Marine marksman. Crowe is the son of Thomas Crowe of 12 Warren…
-
Norwood In The Service-April 9, 1953
THESE FOUR NORWOOD BOYS of the Class of ’52, Norwood High School, have just completed 12 weeks of basic training at Sampson Air Force Base, New York, and are now en route to their tech schools. Left to right Cy Pendergast, 76 Railroad Avenue; John McGrath, 410 Nahatan Street; Richard Sansone, 878 Washington Street; and…
-
In The Service Now-November 21, 1950
RECRUIT TRAINEES Navy Promotes Kenneth Towne Kenneth S. Towne, USN, son of Mr. and Mrs. Merrill C. Towne of 96 Nichols street, Norwood, has been advanced to metalsmith third class, while serving aboard the heavy cruiser USS Des Moines, a unit of the U. S. Mediterranean Fleet. To Wed Ensign Mr. and Mrs. Carl W.…
-
Ellis Gardens-June 30, 1950
This ad for Ellis Gardens ran on June 30th, 1950. OWN YOUR OWN HOME THE MOST SENSATIONAL OFFER IN THE SMALL HOME-BUILDING FIELD IN ELLIS GARDENS, NORWOOD 4 and 5 ROOM RANCH TYPE HOMES $10,500 to $10,900 ALL GENERAL ELECTRIC KITCHEN COMPRISING G.E. 8 ft. Refrigerator • G.E. Dishwasher• G.E. Electric Range • G.E. Disposal•…
-
Cedarcrest Housing Development-February 19, 1950
Joseph Stiveletta, president of Tamworth Construction, announces the starting of the new section in their Cedarcrest Development in Norwood. Plans have been completed for the erection of 70 homes in this new section. They will comprise 5 and 6-room Ranch Type homes with a variation of Cape Cod and Colonials. The 5-room homes will have…
-
Norwood Veteran’s Housing Project Progressing-This Day in Norwood History-January 31, 1950
ON SCHEDULE—Work is progressing according to schedule on the Norwood Veterans Housing Project off Roosevelt avenue. Thirteen cellars have already been poured and excavations have been made for a score more. Photo shows two-story structure going up with construction shacks to left. (McLean Photo) Discover more from Norwood Historical Society Subscribe to get the latest…
-
Army Commends Sgt Anthony Scafuri-This Day in Norwood History-January 19, 1950
Sgt. Anthony J. Scafuri, of 7 Atwood Avenue, Norwood, has been commended for outstanding performance of duty as a military escort in the program of returning American war dead, the Army has announced at the New York Pori of Embarkation. The commendation was in recognition of Sgt. Scafuri’s service in escorting the remains of American…
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.