Col. Richard Charles Murphy's Obituary
Richard Charles Murphy, 83, of Annapolis, Maryland, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, presumably convinced he had a few more good sailing seasons left in him.
Rich was born and raised in Beverly, Massachusetts. In 1966, he married the two great loves of his life: Tecla Emerson Klyce Murphy and the United States Marine Corps. He loved them both immensely. He was an amazing father and father-in-law to Cynthia Murphy, Katharine and John Sodergreen, Susan and Rodney Hill and, as all who would listen to him, the proud grandfather to Scudder and Rachel Sodergreen, Jack Rott, Emerson Sodergreen, Alexander and Christine Rott, Juliet Sodergreen, Katharine Rott, Porter Hill and Adeline Hill. He was also blessed with meeting one great grandchild, Emerson Rott, and was looking forward to being “Poppy” to many more.
After graduating from Salem State College in Salem, Massachusetts, Rich completed Basic Communications Officer course and was transferred from Camp Lejeune to Vietnam, where he served with distinction with the Second Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment. He retired as a Colonel with the Marine Reserves. He was also a Special Agent in Charge with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, earning the respect of colleagues for his integrity, professionalism, and commitment to public service. His lifelong dedication to serving his country reflected his unwavering sense of duty, leadership, and honor.
Outside of his professional life, Rich embraced adventure. He was a world traveler who delighted in exploring new cultures and experiences. Closer to home, he found great joy on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, where he was an accomplished and passionate sailor. Whether navigating distant shores or enjoying an afternoon under sail, he appreciated the beauty of the Bay and the friendships it fostered.
Richard will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, leadership and for his ability to belt out the Marine Corps Hymn at any time. His wisdom, kindness and unique sense of humor touched all who knew him.
A private internment with military honors will be held at the Maryland Veteran’s Cemetery in Crownsville, Maryland.
Richard’s legacy of service, love of family, strong friendships and spirit of adventure will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Marine Corps League Foundation or the Semper Fi and America's Fund.
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