Robert Murphy

Veterans advocate, police officer Age: 60

Robert Murphy, whose dedication to Norwich and area veterans was matched only by his devotion to his family and friends, died Oct. 14, 2020, at age 60 of COVID-19 complications.

Murphy, of Lisbon, Connecticut, where he was a selectman, had been president of the Norwich Area Veterans Council and at the time of his death was president of the Norwich VFW Auxiliary, as well as commander of a local Three Rivers Young Marines unit. He retired as a Connecticut police officer at the former Norwich State Hospital.

Murphy was hospitalized with double pneumonia and later tested positive for the coronavirus. He was transferred to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he died.

In addition to his support for veteran and military organizations, Murphy was known for helping to deliver five children – including one of his own.