Dr. Maurice O. Murphy, M.D., passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026 at his home in Mathews, Virginia. He was born on March 12, 1952, in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Maurice was a devoted physician, mentor, musician, and family man whose life was defined by curiosity, compassion, and service. As a teenager, he volunteered in an emergency room as part of his Eagle Scout project which inspired his lifelong commitment to medicine. He earned degrees from William & Mary, Old Dominion University, and Eastern Virginia Medical School, supporting himself through college and medical school by performing music professionally.

Licensed to practice emergency medicine in five states, Maurice provided care in rural communities throughout his career, including a decade in Wisconsin. He was known for listening deeply to patients, mentoring younger physicians, and generously sharing his knowledge. His work also inspired child safety advocacy, including helping write legislation requiring children riding in pickup trucks to be seated inside the cab.

Maurice was a lifelong learner and gifted jack-of-all-trades. An accomplished musician and photographer, he performed professionally, captured striking images, and enjoyed woodworking and home renovation projects. Friends and family marveled at his seemingly endless knowledge of unexpected subjects.

He married Dorothy in 2016, and together they shared a love of travel, exploring from Alaska to Europe. Known as “Grandpa” to his grandchildren, he delighted in teaching them to cook, build, and explore the world.

Maurice is survived by his wife, Dorothy; daughters, Kat (Josh), MacKenzie (Daniel), and Caroline (Berj); grandchildren, Peyton, Jonah, Sadie, Patrick, Rebekah, William, John, and Khajak; stepchildren, Jamie (Brian), Eric (Laura), and Tami; and step-grandchildren, Shane and Maya.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 176 Lovers Lane, Mathews.