Bruce Murtha

May 24,1956 - January 19, 2021

A Pawtucket, RI native, Bruce arrived in San Francisco in 1980, where he was a bike messenger for Aero Delivery; rode bike then drove for Bay Area Rapid Delivery; then became an original King at King Courier, where he drove until 2020. Lightning-quick, professional, and polite, Bruce was a charming, handsome devil as he overcame space and time limitations to get each delivery done.

A graduate of Rock ‘n’ Roll High School and Grateful Dead University, Bruce was often found at as many concerts as the Bay Area could offer. He might have been old but he had indeed seen all the best bands.

A passionate lover of sports, he watched football on Saturday, Sunday, Monday Night, and “don’t forget college on Thursday.” For seven years he served as an usher at 49ers games before the team left Candlestick Park, and he shared New England Patriots games by phone with siblings. He loved to talk sports anywhere with anyone, always with a smile for the game.

Just prior to their wedding, he and Ginny-his partner of 11 years-took up the spiritual practice of kriya yoga meditation (www. siddhanath.org), evolving their love into a true soul commitment.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 19 years, Virginia (Ginny) Giblin; his stepson Darius Sanchez of Arcata, CA, from Ginny’s first marriage to Carlos Sanchez; his son Bruce Drew Murtha (with Pamela Cole) of FL; and daughter Brianna Murtha-Zee (with Lisa Zee) and her fiancé Angelo Pastura, both now of Cincinnati, OH.

He is also survived by his siblings Brian Murtha and wife Michelle Murtha of Pawtucket, RI; David Murtha of Pawtucket, RI; Nina Murtha DeRoche of Newport, RI; Edward (Teddy) Murtha of CO; and Steven Murtha of FL.

A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held post-COVID.

Bruce deeply trusted the care and compassion of California Pacific Medical Center to the very end. Memorial donations will be welcomed via www.CPMC.org/givenow