Christopher J Murphy , November 10, 1964 — September 16, 2018

HOLYOKE Christopher J. Murphy died Sunday September 16, 2018, surrounded by family and friends, at Holyoke Medical Center after a short illness. He was 53. A lifelong resident of Holyoke, Christopher was born in the city on November 10, 1964, the son of Marian and Christopher F. Murphy, the latter of whom predeceased him.

He graduated from Holyoke High School and attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Christopher worked in the restaurant and automotive industries and, most recently, had devoted himself to the care of his mother. A well-known and beloved local figure, he was a remarkable raconteur, perpetually ready with a tall tale or a humorous anecdote.

A born comedian who tried out his first routines at the family dinner table in childhood, he would light up a room with his laughter. Perhaps the greatest of his many gifts was for friendship: whether it was for a night on the town, a carefully-strategized golf game, a quick favor, or a shoulder to cry on, Chris was at his best when among his many, many friends. He is survived by his mother, Marian, of Holyoke; his sister Carolyn Baron (Jim) of Scarborough, Maine; his sister Sara Murphy (John McInerney) of New York City; his adored niece Gracie Baron of Scarborough; his aunt Rosemary Sullivan and cousins Ted Sullivan, Susan Harris, Joanne Welch, and Maureen Sullivan, all of Holyoke—and more loyal and devoted friends than can be counted.

The family wishes to express their sincerest thanks to the staff of the Holyoke Medical Center and associated hospice services for their professionalism, grace, and generosity of spirit during these past difficult weeks. The funeral will be held Thursday morning, September 20th at 10:30 from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, followed by a Mass in Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Forestdale Cemetery West, Rock Valley Road, Holyoke. Calling hours will be held Thursday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holyoke Medical Center or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

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