Richard Michael Murphy

Richard Michael Murphy, 84, of Akron, went home to be with the Lord on August 16, 2025 at Falls Village Retirement Community. Richard was born in Akron, Ohio on June 28, 1941 to the late Charles and Anna {Lane} Murphy. He graduated from Ellet High School in 1960 and married his high school sweetheart, Connie Bousher in 1961. They had just begun their family when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1962. He was honorably discharged from the military in 1965 and returned home to Akron. He began his career with Goodyear Tire and Rubber, retiring in September 2000 after 35 years of dedicated service.

Richard was a lifelong bowler. He belonged to several leagues over the years and made many friends through the sport. He also loved fishing and enjoyed taking his grandchildren to Lake Milton and Goodyear Metropark where he taught them how to bait a hook and cast a line. He and Connie loved traveling on cruises along with Connie's aunt Margaret. They also took a very special trip to Sicily in 1985.

Richard was dedicated to his family. He was a good provider and enjoyed taking his wife and daughters on summer vacations. One of his favorite destinations was Louisville, Kentucky. Picnics and gatherings at Wingfoot Lake with extended family were also a source of great fun. Richard was involved with the All-American Soapbox Derby since childhood. He raced in his youth and watched his daughter race years later. He was a volunteer for many years as an adult.

He was extremely proud of his grandchildren and all their accomplishments. He was so happy to watch them graduate from high school, college, and the military. He loved to hear about the events in their lives.

In later years, Richard enjoyed simple pleasures such as quiet mornings reading the newspaper and playing his numbers on the lottery.

In February of 1990, Richard and Connie committed to sobriety together. They found the support they needed through AA and were faithful members for the rest of their lives. Meetings were an instrumental part of Richard's life and both he and Connie were dedicated to helping others break free from addiction.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Connie; sister, Loretta Fenn; brother, Charles Murphy Jr.; son-in-law, Calvin "Sandy" Bevard; niece, Stephanie Shaffer; and nephew, Gregory Fenn.

Richard will be dearly missed by his daughters, Deborah Bevard and Beth (Michael) Fortine; siblings, Dennis (Deb) Murphy, Charlene (Denny) Shaffer, and Marty (Diane) Murphy; grandchildren, Michael R. (Jessica) Knipl, Anthony Knipl, Alan (Elizabeth) Fortine, and Colleen Fortine (Jill Caputi); great-grandchildren, Peyton Knipl, Aubrey Marie, and Scott Fortine. He also leaves many nieces, nepehws, and extended family.

Per Richard's wishes, his family will celebrate his life privately.

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

enjoying one moment at a time;

accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

taking, as He did, this sinful world

as it is, not as I would have it;

trusting that He will make all things right

if I surrender to His Will;

that I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with Him

forever in the next.

Amen.

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