Newton Remembers Former Fire Chief

NEWTON, MA — Mayor Ruthanne Fuller announced the death of a former fire chief on Wednesday.

Edward Murphy, 86, died on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital on Washington Street. According to Fuller, the Newton native spent a large portion of his childhood at the local fire station and decided early on what he wanted to do for a living. Murphy joined the department in 1961 after serving in the United States Navy, and went on to serve for 42 years in which he climbed the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, and Deputy Chief. He became Acting Chief on an interim basis in 1994 before ultimately earning the permanent title the next year.

Fuller expressed her condolences for Murphy’s family, which includes his five children. Murphy was also a grandfather and great-grandfather. Three of his sons, Michael, Richard, and Edward Jr., followed in their father's footsteps as firefighters.

“Chief Murphy was a ‘firefighters’ firefighter’ who supported and mentored those who served with him, including his three sons and three nephews who followed in his footsteps to become firefighters,” Fuller said.

Murphy was laid to rest at Newton Cemetery on 791 Walnut St. on Tuesday, Dec. 16.

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