Dennis J. Murphy

Dennis J. Murphy, born June 19, 1950, in Southington, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday March 17, 2026, at the age of 75. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud veteran, loyal friend, uncle, and neighbor.

A graduate of Longmeadow High School, Dennis went on to serve his country honorably in the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, he built a life rooted in hard work and dedication to his family. For many years, he worked as a delivery driver for Esquire Gas in Enfield, Connecticut, where he was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and for never shying away from a long day’s work.

Dennis was the beloved husband of Kathleen A. Murphy (Bernardos) and a devoted father to his son, Chad Murphy (fiancée Becky Cooper), and his daughter, Nicole Murphy. He took great pride in being “Papa” to his grandchildren: Kaylee Mahoney, Nevaeh Mahoney, Skyler Mahoney, and Chelsea Murphy, all of whom brought him immense pride and happiness.

He is also survived by his sister, Janet Reading, with whom he shared a particularly close bond, and her husband, Glenn Reading. He is also survived by two other siblings, Ann Lamon and Eileen Castellano. Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Marie Murphy (Humpreville), and by his big brother, James Murphy.

Those who knew Dennis knew a man who enjoyed life on his own terms. He loved his home on Dayton Street in Chicopee and found happiness in life’s simple pleasures—watching sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys and Boston Red Sox, playing a round of golf, and mowing the lawn on his riding mower, often with a Bud Light close at hand. He was known for his quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and his unmistakable no‑nonsense, “don’t give a damn what you think” approach to life, which endeared him to many who knew him.

Above all, Dennis was a tireless worker for his family and someone who left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved by his family, who are grateful for the life he lived, the lessons he taught—both meaningful and lighthearted—and the countless memories they will carry with them always.

Services will be private, with his final resting place at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, Massachusetts.