Charles J. Murphy, 93, a lifelong resident of Framingham, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, at home, having spent his final days held in the love and presence of his family. He was deeply loved and constantly attended to by his children throughout his final weeks. He was the son of Charles H. and Elmeta (Garbarino) Murphy and was born in 1932 in Framingham, MA.
He attended Framingham High School (Class of 1950), where he served as class president, and went on to graduate from Clark University in Worcester, MA, with a degree in accounting. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, Charles began his career as a certified public accountant, working first for several accounting firms in Worcester and Boston. He later established his own practice in Framingham and ultimately became a partner at Murphy, Edwards, Goncalves & Ferrera, PC. in Southborough, MA. Even after semi-retirement, Charles remained devoted to his clients and continued to offer his financial expertise.
Throughout his life, Charles was actively involved in his community. He served as a director or trustee for a number of local organizations, including Framingham Union Hospital (now MetroWest Medical Center), the Framingham History Center, MetroWest Mediation Services Inc., Clark University (as an alumni trustee), and the Framingham Civic League. He was also a proud participant in the Framingham Heart Study. His professional affiliations included the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Charles was predeceased by his beloved wife of 54 years, Noreen M. (Dalton) Murphy, his brothers Richard R. Murphy and James D. Murphy, and his sister-in-law Cecilia M. (Plona) Murphy, wife of James.
He is survived by his four children: Mark C. Murphy of Wolfeboro, NH; Ann B. Murphy, Ph.D., and her wife Rose A. Blair of Arvada, CO; Ellen T. Murphy of Cambridge, MA; and Martha L. Terry and her husband Matthew P. Terry of Southport, CT. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: James B., Brendan C., Gregory N., and Colin P. Terry; and Marissa., Christopher, and Patrick Murphy.
After the passing of his wife Noreen, Charles shared the last 12 years of his life with his close companion and longtime friend, Ann (Lingley) Dickson.
Charles maintained warm relationships with his many nieces and nephews and enjoyed time spent with his extended family, including Ann Dickson’s daughter, Julie Ferrari, her husband, Paul, and their children, Max and Luca. A lifelong sports enthusiast, his love for the Boston Red Sox was unwavering.
Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Charles’ life by celebrating his Funeral Mass on Saturday morning, January 24th in St. Bridget Church, 830 Worcester Road, Framingham at 10 o’clock. A private Interment will follow in Highland Cemetery, Dover.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charles’ name to: The Framingham Heart Study, https://www.framinghamheartstudy.org/
To share a memory with the Murphy Family, kindly visit www.nortonfuneralhome.com
McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home