Obituary: Frederick L. "Fred" Murphy Jr., 58, Computer Technician, Dealt Primarily with the Woodworking Industry

Obituary from Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home.

Frederick L. “Fred” Murphy, Jr., a lifelong resident of Woburn, passed away unexpectedly at his home Monday, December first. The beloved son of the late Frederick L. and Jacqueline M. (Sesk) Murphy, he was fifty-eight years of age.

A graduate of Woburn High School with the Class of 1974, Fred attended college following high school but had decided at the end of that first year he would rather venture out into the huge world of technology. Fred was extremely knowledgeable in woodworking and had always shown great interest in this area. Fred, with due diligence, became a self-taught CNC technician dealing primarily with the woodworking industry.

In the late 1980’s Fred began his incredible journey sharing his talent and understanding of these computer-controlled machines, earned him a tremendous following. Manufacturing companies all across the country would contract for his services to program or set up equipment with the latest software and/or features. He traveled to every state, on almost every airline, and rented just about every model car there is, in his lifetime!

He welcomed a difficult challenge more as a hobby rather than a job. Fred loved nothing more than to arrive at a facility that was having trouble, look the situation over, press a few buttons, and be “the man” that corrected the problem and had them back in production.

A person with his deep understanding of system operation and application in this industry is rare indeed. His passing will be a loss not easily replaced.

Fred was a gentle man of simple means and pleasures. He pretty much kept to himself, was an avid reader, and truly the best Trivial Pursuit player in the region.

When Fred did socialize with friends and families, he always enjoyed having a good time. A tacky Hawaiian shirt, loud colored shorts, a cold drink, a gathering of friends, and Fred was in his element.

Fred is survived by his siblings, Bryan W. Murphy and his wife Mary of Woburn, Karen VanGelder and her husband Robert of Chelmsford, and Kevin J. Murphy and his wife Andrea of NH; his dear friends, John and Kathy Ferrone and their children, and Carmen and Marie Lucchese and their children, all of Woburn; and several nieces, nephews, and their families.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a Graveside Service at Wildwood Cemetery, 34 Palmer Street, Winchester on Wednesday, December 10th at 10 a.m. There are no calling hours. Remembrances may be made in Fred’s memory to Mass. Lions Eye Research, PO Box 6050, New Bedford, MA 02742. Professional services are under the direction of the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home.