SARASOTA, Fla. – Robert E. Murphy, 78, of Randall Road, Lewiston, died on April 16, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, with his loving wife at his side.

He was born in Lewiston, on July 2, 1929, a son of Peter and Albiane (Beliveau) Murphy. He was educated in Lewiston and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1948.

Shortly after high school, he married Yvette Gilbert. She passed away in 1989. In June 1992, he married Stella Labonte at Sacred Heart Church. He served in the armed forces in Germany. He also served his community for 28 years as a member of the Lewiston Fire Department. He retired in 1986.

He owned his own business R.E. Murphy and Son Monuments for many years. He was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church. He enjoyed playing trombone in the Fanfare Band, the Bath Municipal Band and the Port Charlotte Band in Florida. He also played in the Auburn Community Band for many years.

Survivors include his wife of 16 years, Stella, of Lewiston; a daughter, Barbara Hutchinson and her special friend, Norm Ouellette, of Lewiston; sons, Dana Murphy and his wife, Karen, of Monmouth, Paul Murphy and his friend, Diane Reynolds, of Lewiston and David Murphy and his wife, Mary, of Lewiston; his brother, Richard Murphy and his wife, Joannie, of Lewiston; grandchildren, Nicole Levasseur, Dana Levasseur and his companion, Leslie Crosson, Jason Hutchinson, Meghan Hutchinson and their father, Donald Hutchinson, Sarah Murphy, Laurianne Murphy, Joshua Murphy, Michael Murphy, Brendon Murphy and Christopher Derosier; and one great-granddaughter, Kylie Levasseur.

He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Albiane Murphy; a brother, Peter Murphy; and sister, Elaine.