2026 -- H 8320

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LC006147

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MICHAEL J. MURPHY

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Serpa, Chippendale, Fellela,
McEntee, Lima, Shanley, O'Brien, and Kennedy

     Date Introduced: March 19, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Michael

J. Murphy of Warwick, who departed this life after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. He

was the beloved husband of Nancy Murphy, with whom he shared forty-seven wonderful years of

marriage, and the devoted father of Sean Murphy and Karlah Murphy; and

     WHEREAS, He was the cherished brother of William J. Murphy, former Speaker of the

Rhode Island House of Representatives, and his wife, Stacey, and brother-in-law of Sandra

Russell. He also leaves behind many loving nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends. He was

predeceased by his parents, John and Dorothy Murphy, and his brother-in-law, Norman Russell;

and

     WHEREAS, A proud graduate of West Warwick High School, Michael was a member of

the Wizards State Championship Basketball Team and served as Vice President of the Spanish

Club, demonstrating early leadership and a passion for athletics and learning; and

     WHEREAS, Michael continued his education at Quinnipiac College, earning a

Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish, and further enriched his studies abroad at the University of

Salamanca in Spain, becoming well known for his wit and distinction; and

     WHEREAS, Michael enjoyed a long and successful career as an insurance agent for more

than thirty years, during which time he operated his own agency, earning the respect and trust of

his clients and colleagues. Earlier in his career, he was the proprietor of Pat’s Tap in the city of

Providence, where he gained recognition for his engaging personality and talents as a bartender

and skilled Blackjack dealer; and

     WHEREAS, A passionate sportsman, Michael was an avid golfer and longtime member

of Valley Country Club, proudly achieving a hole-in-one during his golfing career and sharing

many memorable moments on the course with friends; and

     WHEREAS, Demonstrating a lifelong commitment to youth and community, Michael

was the basketball coach at St. Joseph School in West Warwick for over thirty-five years,

mentoring generations of young athletes, and was honored as a member of the inaugural class

inducted into the Rhode Island Catholic Athletic League Hall of Fame; and

     WHEREAS, Known for his positive spirit, Michael was a self-proclaimed gourmet cook

who delighted family and friends with his holiday traditions, and he was admired for always

seeing the good in others and living life to its fullest; and

     WHEREAS, The passing of Michael J. Murphy leaves a profound void in the lives of his

loving family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him, yet his legacy of kindness,

dedication, and optimism will endure; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Michael J. Murphy; and be it

further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the family of Michael J. Murphy.

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LC006147

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