TENANTS HARBOR — Merton E. Murphy, 81, died unexpectedly June 26, 2015, in Portland.

Born July 18, 1933, in Southwest Harbor, he was the son of Augustus and Florence Murphy. Raised in Bass Harbor, he was educated locally and was a 1952 graduate of Pemetick High School in Southwest Harbor.

Following high school, Merton enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, serving proudly until his honorable discharge.

Merton attended the University of Southern Maine for a brief time before entering the work force. He began his career with Manset Marine Supply in Manset. He stayed with that company through two location changes. He eventually retired from Manset in the fall of 2000 after more than 40 years of dedicated work for that company.

After the death of his first wife, Sandra Watson Murphy in 1996, Merton later married Sylvia Richardson Armstrong in 2000. Together they have enjoyed going to the movies, and especially people-watching.

Merton was a hard worker, and even when he wasn't at work, he kept busy working around his home. He was an accomplished woodworker, making furniture and doing repairs around the house.

Merton was also an active member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Rockland, serving on the vestry there.

Predeceased by his first wife; Merton is survived by his wife, Sylvia Armstrong Murphy of Tenants Harbor; his sons, Jayson Murphy of Rockland, and Matthew Murphy and his wife, Pam, of Milford, Mass.; his stepsons, Robert Armstrong, John Armstrong and his wife, Brenda, all of Tenants Harbor, and Michael Barie and his wife, Wendy, of South Hope; his stepdaughter, Terri Carver and her husband, Franz, of Reno, Nev.; his brother, Raymond Murphy and his wife, Gloria of Brunswick; as well as several step-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Merton's life will be held Wednesday, July 8 at 2 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A reception will follow at 104 Limerock, adjacent to the funeral home. Interment will be in Achorn Cemetery.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to St. George Fire and Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 249, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860.