ROCKLAND — Carlton F. Murphy, 66, of Rockland passed away on January 7, 2026, at Maine Medical Center in Portland after a brief illness. Born on December 27, 1959, in Houlton, Maine, he was the first born of three boys to Frederick and JoAnne Gray Murphy. The Murphys made their home in Houlton until moving to Rockland in 1967.

Growing up in Rockland, Carlton was active in youth sports as a catcher on his Little League team, a quarterback on his pee-wee football team and as a guard on his pee-wee basketball team before also playing at the middle school level.

He was also involved in scouting, both as a Cub Scout and then later as a member of the Rockland Sea Scouts. He attended Rockland schools with members of the Rockland District High School Class of 1979.

Upon joining the workforce, Carlton followed in his father’s footsteps by going to work at Fisher Engineering where he learned a variety of skills. Many years later, he utilized those skills to secure a pipefitter position at Bath Iron Works. Like many who work at BIW, he enjoyed the friendships that he developed in that job as part of his daily commute with his van ride partners. During this time, Carlton also became a member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks #1008 and was also employed there for a number of years as a bartender. Later in life, Carlton was a common visitor at the Time Out Pub, where he also performed part time duties.

He formed many lasting relationships there over the years. Several years later, he went to work for Jerry Brooks as an estate groundskeeper for two families in Owls Head and St. George.

Carlton was a huge car racing fan, and during the peak of popularity of the Busch Grand National North tour, on weekends he could be found traveling throughout New England to attend races at various racetracks.

Carlton was predeceased by his father, Fredrick Murphy in 2012 and his mother, JoAnne Murphy in 2021.

He is survived by two brothers, Thomas Murphy of Rockland and John Murphy (Gayle) of Owls Head; his nephews, Isaiah Murphy of Brunswick, Anderson Murphy (Denise) of Gorham, Carson Murphy (Erin) of Groton, Connecticut; two nieces, Mackenzie Fritz (Geoff) of Gorham, and Krista Rivard (Jake) of Greene, Maine; as well as many great nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held in Carlton’s memory on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 2 - 4 p.m., at the Dry Dock Restaurant.

Arrangements are with Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland.