Donald P. Murphy ... could play any instrument by ear

ROCHESTER - Donald P. Murphy, 87 of Rochester died on Sunday January 23, 2022 at Frisbie Memorial Hospital.

He was born April 29, 1934 in Dover the son of Donald and Catherine (Hourihane) Murphy and has resided in this area all of his life.

Don was a proud father, grandfather, uncle, brother, husband and friend. He loved to laugh and make others laugh often telling jokes and forgetting the punch line. His passions were music, drawing, keeping a journal, and politics. Don was a proud Democrat and understood the workings of the government well. He learned to play any instrument by ear as a young boy, having parents who played in a big band. His favorites were the piano and organ.

He was a member of the Dover and Rollinsford Legion and Dover Elks where he'd often meet up with friends. He briefly served in the Army and was honorably discharged to care for his young sister when his parents passed.

Members of his family include his wife of 58 years Barbara (Lane) Murphy of Rochester; three daughters Robin Bisson and her husband Rene of Rollinsford, Kimberly Foster of Rochester and Lynne Stevens and her husband Jim of Strafford; grandchildren, Ryan Murphy, Christian Foster, Kyle Stevens, Colin Foster, Sierra Bisson, Jacquelyn Stevens, Drew Stevens and Angelina Bisson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Ginn and his granddaughter Julia Renee Bisson.