Daniel P. Murphy

MURPHY, DANIEL P., 52, of Coventry, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2019 at Kent Hospital after a quick and sudden battle with lung and spinal cancer. He was the husband of Patricia (Olney) Murphy for 28 years. Born in Providence, he was a son of Margaret Jean Murphy and the late Paul Murphy and was a most beloved son-in-law to Douglas and Helen Olney of Coventry.
Dan radiated joy, laughter and abundant kindness. He was passionate about making people laugh, jazz music and books — specifically those by author Robert Parker. Known for his signature bow-ties, spirited and animated storytelling, and for always stepping up to help others, Dan was truly loved and admired by family and friends. Loyal and fiercely protective of those he cared for, Dan was celebrated for his trademark gift for gab, his talent for studying new languages and his enthusiasm for all things historical. He was a loving dog-dad to his beloved golden retriever Rango, and the two could often be found swimming and hiking near Johnson’s Pond. Dan was also a talented writer, and had just completed his first novel. Dan graduated from Rhode Island College with a degree in English and got his masters in Library Science from the University of Rhode Island. He worked for the Coventry Public Library as a reference librarian for nearly two decades. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his beloved godson Alejandro Camerena; brother-in-law Douglas Olney; sister-in-law Catherine Olney-Vincent, brother-in-law Scott “Bo” Vincent and their daughter Stephanie; his loving in-laws Douglas and Helen Olney, whom he considered beloved parents; sister Marianne Murphy and her son Jordan; sister Christine Foley Murphy and her daughters Rebecca and Brynn; brother Matthew Murphy, sister-in-law Laura and their children Noah and Scarlett. Dan is also survived by his mother Margaret. Dan lovingly considered Maria Gomez a beloved mother and his good friends Kathleen St. Pierre and Gicela Baez as sisters.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Mary’s Home for Children at 420 Fruit Hill Avenue, North Providence, Rhode Island.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Mercy, 65 Third Street, East Greenwich, RI, on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 10am.