Robert R. “Bob” Murphy
Thursday, October 28, 1943
Date of Death:
Friday, July 18, 2025
Age:
81 years old
Visitation
Date: Wednesday July 23, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Thursday July 24, 2025
Time: 10:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Thursday July 24, 2025
Time: 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Livestream of Memorial Service
Click here to watch the Memorial Service live: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1MzA0ODEyMjM3MjI1MCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
Thursday, October 28, 1943
Date of Death:
Friday, July 18, 2025
Age:
81 years old
Thursday, October 28, 1943
Date of Death:
Friday, July 18, 2025
Age:
81 years old
Robert R. “Bob” Murphy
Robert “Bob” R. Murphy of Rochester passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Friday, July 18, 2025.
Bob was born on October 28, 1943, in Rochester to John W. “Jack” and Alice (Lonergan) Murphy. He graduated from Lourdes High School in 1962. After graduation he took a job with IBM in New York City and shortly thereafter was drafted into the US Military, where he served for six years in the Navy Reserves. He graduated from Winona State College in 1969 and continued to work for IBM in Rochester until his retirement in 1994 at which time he went on to be a founding partner of PEMSTAR Manufacturing, retiring in 2002.
Bob met Patricia Peters in 1965 and on August 16, 1969 he married her at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester. They had three children: Matthew, Andrea, and Colleen.
Bob enjoyed “working” from 2003 to 2020 at his son Matthew’s business, Kathy’s Pub, as “Chief Financial Officer.” He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and later became a fan of the MN Vikings and MN Twins. Bob worked with, and was an integral part of, the Rochester Royals Amateur Baseball Team. It may surprise some to know this, but he enjoyed doing cross-stitch and needlepoint, along with crosswords, Sudoku, and watching whatever British mystery was airing on PBS. He will be remembered for his sharp wit and sense of humor, but of all the things Bob accomplished in his life, his family is the most proud of his generosity to others, his strong moral character, his ability to see the good in people when others couldn’t or wouldn’t, and how he would lift them up in ways that often went unseen by others—whether it was family, friends, or downtrodden strangers he met at Kathy’s Pub. He always tried to help and never looked to take credit.
He is survived by his wife Patricia “Pat” of Rochester, his children Matthew (Raechel) of Rochester, Andrea (Joshua) Land of Madison, WI, Colleen Murphy of Rochester, his sisters Sheila (Herb) Townsend of Rochester, Mary (Mark) Morse of Hudson, WI, his brother Mark (Terri) of Byron, MN, his sisters-in-law Wanda Murphy of Rochester, Linda Murphy of Rochester, and Sandy Rocheleau of Rochester, and grandchildren Hannah (Jair), Henry, Esther, William and Elizabeth.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Jack, Jim, Don, Dick, Tom, Pete, and Joe.
His funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 11:00AM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening, July 23, 2025, from 5:00PM to 7:00PM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home along with one hour prior to the service on Thursday. A reception is planned to follow in the River Park Reception Hall at Macken Funeral Home.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Livestream of the service can be found here: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1MzA0ODEyMjM3MjI1MCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
Memorials can be directed to Channel One Regional Food Bank, Paws and Claws, Salvation Army or a charity of the donor’s choice.
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Condolences
The family of Robert R. “Bob” Murphy has received the following condolences.
Colleen, you and your family have my deepest sympathy. Your Dad sounds like an amazing man! Cherish those memories.
Deepest sympathy. Heck of a good guy and cars player to.
Pat and the Murphy family,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. It was an honor to work with Bob as one of the founding partners in PEMSTAR. His leadership, hard work, and positive attitude were key contributors to our early success. Bob was always available to help with anything and was particularly good at managing our finances. He was well liked and respected by everyone on the PEMSTAR team and will be missed. He talked about his family often and was always looking forward to the next Murphy family event.
Since I happen to be in Ireland this week, I wanted to share an Irish prayer for Bob.
May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, and may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Sincerely,
Al Berning
We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and your family. Your dad has made a tremendous impact on so many people and may the memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. Love Mary, Lennie, Jim, Maria, and Antonia.
With heartfelt love to you all durning this most difficult time.
Bob was an amazing uncle. I remember the day you two were married. Seems like it was just yesterday. You have a beautiful family and I know how much Bob loves and appreciates every single moment he had with you.
He will always be there, shining his love upon you.
My thoughts and prayers,
Bob and Tracy
I met Bob when I was 18 (1985) Tom at Michaels! I then saw him again when a friend took a job at Pemstar(1990). He was always the genuine article! Bob was a great help to me and to Lone Tree Golf Club when Tom passed in 2014. He helped guide me through the process and I always looked forward to having a beer with him at Kathy’s……..many times a mick golden hit perfect at 9 AM! The last time I saw him was at Joe’s funeral just last month.
The Murphy family has been just that to the Avant family. I am grateful for his friendship, help And kindness.
Bob was simply top notch. Shawn and I cannot attend however we will be there in spirit and the next hugs will be overdue to all of the family that is so meaningful to us.
Greg, Shawn,Lexi and Tommi Avant
Pat, and the entire Murphy family:
I am so sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. He was such a gentle sole with a huge heart.
I know he will be missed greatly by his family and all that knew him.
Please know my heart and prayers are with you all.
Jan
As a kid coming over to the Murphy household in the 80’s and 90’s, I mostly remember Bob as a man of few words always working on a crossword puzzle while sitting in a favorite chair. Super smart and witty he’s a once in a generation kind of person from an authentic, strong family. RIP Bob.