Harry Chittenden Murphy

Harry C. (Bud) Murphy, aged 79, died June 19th at home in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Mr. Murphy was born September 30, 1940, to Harold and Bertha Murphy in Burlington, Vermont. As a young boy, he was given an erector set for his birthday, and this simple gift fueled his love of engineering and construction.

Bud graduated from Bristol High School in Bristol, Vermont, in 1960, and entered the United States Army that same year. He spent three years in the armed forces before joining Durgin and Brown, an engineering firm, upon his return to Vermont. Later, he joined Allied Chemical, where he was conferred a mechanical engineering degree under their direct tutelage. Bud flourished in the engineering field, and his career spanned several decades. Some of his favorite projects as a self-employed engineer led him around the globe as he worked on tank design for the U.S. Department of Defense, a shark jaw mechanism for a ride at Universal Studios, and a bulletproof vest prototype for Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North.

Bud is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Martha J. (Jeffrey) Murphy; his son, Patrick (and wife Valerie) of Raleigh; as well as his granddaughters, Brianna and Danelle, of New York State, and a sister, Pat Guilmartin, of Bloomfield, Connecticut. In addition, many special nieces and nephews will greatly miss their Uncle Bud. As a kindhearted stepfather of 42 years, Bud’s stepchildren, Susan, Christopher, and Ron, and their many children, will also grieve the loss of this special man.

As an Irishman, Bud loved a funny limerick and a good shot of whiskey. He also enjoyed a well-written phrase, a challenging crossword, surf fishing at the Outer Banks, and a lovely dinner out with his family.

A service will be held this fall in his home state of Vermont where he will find his final resting place.