Hartland, VT - Weldon Ward "Red" Murphy, 86, died at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, NH on February 1, 2025, surrounded in love by his family. Born on September 22, 1938, to Oliver Dean Murphy and Alice Shute Bagley, Red lived a full and vibrant life, marked by a strong work ethic, a love for the outdoors, and a deep devotion to his family.

Red was born and raised within the backroads of Hartland, settling with his bride, Nancy, a mile from his boyhood roots to build a life and home for his own family. For 42 years, Red worked as a crane operator and construction worker for Miller Construction in Windsor, VT. His hard work and dedication earned him respect from his co-workers and peers; and together, they built a legacy of bridges and roads throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.

Outside of work, Red enjoyed deer hunting, working on projects around his home, and joining his children in their pursuits. From 1985 to 1989 he could be found at Claremont Speedway and in the garage, supporting his son, Eric's modified race team. After his retirement from Miller Construction, Red helped his son, Jon, launch Murphy & Son Construction, and spent many of his weekends camping in Meredith, NH with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy, his three children and their families: Jon and Kacey Murphy of Brownsville, Eric Murphy of Hartland, and Michele and Todd Hood of Hartland. Red also leaves behind his brother, Dean Murphy of Anderson, SC; stepbrother, John Bagley; stepsister, Sandra White, both of Concord, NH; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his parents, Alice and Oliver; five brothers, Mahlon, Carlton, Calvin, Rodney, and Alan; and one sister, Phyllis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care. A graveside service will be held in the Hartland Village Cemetery at 10 am on Saturday, May 3, 2025.