Last fall, Robert (Bob) J. Murphy was honored at the 2019 Beacon Historical Society’s Third Annual Beacons of History Awards, and by then, had retired his position of president of the Beacon Historical Society to longtime board member Diane Lapis. Bob Murphy had one of the deepest knowledge banks of Beacon in his mind, was usually surrounded by bound archives of newspapers and donated artifacts, is the author of two books about Beacon, and was the writer of the highly valuable monthly newsletter for members of the Beacon Historical Society.

On July 10, 2020, Bob Murphy passed away “after a courageous fight with cancer on July 10, 2020,” according to his sister, Diane Murphy, published on the Beacon Historical Society’s website.

Diane Lapis, president of the Beacon Historical Society, reflected on Bob’s many contributions to businesses, organizations and individuals who needed his connection points in a variety of projects in the July/August 2020 newsletter of the Beacon Historical Society:

“Without Bob, there wouldn’t be the strong sense of history that residents and visitors feel in this magnificent city of Beacon. Bob’s keen mind brought to the forefront the sense of time marching down Main Street, up Mt. Beacon and along the mighty Hudson. He did not discriminate in his topics of study and left no stone unturned. With a fresh eye and sharp wit, Bob examined social and cultural trends, religious institutions, schools, community organizations, buildings and monuments, and the people that built and made this city what it is today. His ability to ask questions, seek answers, and then write about it in a way that was engaging, eloquent, and humorous, made his readers always come back for more.

“Without Bob there would have been no books about the history of Beacon. Bob, alongside coauthor Denise VanBuren, wrote Historic Beacon and Beacon Revisited showcasing over 500 photographs and engaging stories of Beacon’s past. Both books guided us to understand and appreciate our local history. A third volume, a compilation of Bob’s written work, will be published by year’s end. Without Bob, there would have been no monthly newsletters or blogs, filled with articles sweeping the gamut of ideas and events over 300 years since our city’s founding.”

Bob’s obituary, written by his sister Diane Murphy, is published on the Beacon Historical Society’s website and elsewhere, is also here.

Robert J. Murphy, son of the late Robert W. Murphy and Elizabeth Murphy, passed away after a courageous fight with cancer on July 10, 2020. Bob leaves behind five sisters, Barbara O’Leary, Beacon, Linda Murphy, Tivoli, Kathleen Zimmer, Queensbury, Maureen McInnis, South Glens Falls and Diane Murphy, Beacon. He was a wonderful uncle to fourteen nieces and nephews and all
their children.

A 1966 graduate of Beacon High School who earned his bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College and his Master’s Degree from the State University of New York at Albany, Bob served as president of the Beacon Historical Society (BHS) for 20 years (1998 – 2018). He wrote the popular BHS monthly newsletter for 38 years and co-authored two books, Historic Beacon and Beacon Revisited. He was working on his third book at the time of his death. He prepared dozens of presentations and contributed numerous articles about Beacon history throughout the decades. Bob was the recipient of the Dutchess County Historical Society’s prestigious “Dutchess Award,” recognizing his exceptional contributions as a local historian. In 2019 he was honored at the Beacon Historical Society’s Third Annual Beacons of History Awards.

He was an avid reader, writer, bread baker, photographer, gardener and woodworker. In his younger years, Bob was a talented baseball player and skater, who loved playing hockey beside his nephews. For the past 38 years, he and his sister, Diane, enjoyed daily walks and hikes to Mt. Beacon, Denning’s Point and other points around Beacon. He taught himself to develop negatives and made thousands of prints for the BHS archives.

A prolific gardener, he took pride in his tomato patch and more so in sharing his crop with friends and family. He was a self-taught carpenter and his benches, bookshelves and birds are scattered throughout the Valley. More recently, Bob’s carving resulted in a series of creative birds which he took pleasure in crafting
and sharing.

Bob and his great sense of humor and gentle, quiet ways will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community.

Memorial donations in his honor may be made to the Beacon Historical Society, PO Box 89, Beacon, NY 12508 or to St. Joachim – St. John the Evangelist Church, 2 Oak Street, Beacon, NY 12508.

A private Mass of Christian Burial followed by burial at St. Joachim Cemetery in Beacon will be held. A memorial service is planned for the future.

To send a personal condolence please visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Patrick J. Halvey of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC.

During the pandemic, the Beacon Historical Society has stopped its regular in-person fundraising programming, which included ghost tours and visiting hours at the building on South Avenue which holds their collection. The society is still accepting donations of artifacts, as well as memberships and donations.

However, the society’s biggest fundraiser is still happening, albeit on Zoom, in November. And you have the opportunity to participate: The Beacon Historical Society is are holding their 4th Annual Beacons of History Award Fundraiser on November 5 at 7:00pm hosted on Zoom. They will be honoring the Alps Sweet Shop and the Coris Family (from Dutchess Manor). The Beacon Historical Society has already grown out of its new South Avenue location, and is seeking a Special Use Permit to move across town. Says Diane Lapis: “We will certainly need the extra money for moving and permits etc.”

Start your membership today (business or personal) or make a donation.