Obituary of Robert D. Murdock

With heavy hearts we announce that our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Robert D. Murdock, 91, of Manchester and Niantic, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on July 9, 2022.

Born in Manchester on August 10, 1930, son of the late Thomas and Pearl Murdock, Bob was a resident of Bolton for 60 years before moving to Manchester in 2014.  He graduated from Manchester High School and attended the University of Hartford. On June 11, 1955 he married the love of his life, Elinor Miner, and they were inseparable ever since.

Bob loved his family, and cherished his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He enjoyed his summers at Black Point Beach in Niantic where he enjoyed boating, lobster dinners, and driving his 1930 Model A Ford in parades. He devoted his life to his family, always attending their activities and sporting events.

He was an inspiration to all, meeting his daily challenges with strength, dignity, and grace. His love for his family was boundless.  Throughout his illness, Bob kept his sense of humor and charm. He never gave up and enjoyed always having his wife, Ellie, by his side.

A builder and realtor for the U & R Realty Corporation for more than 50 years, Bob was very proud of the beautiful homes he built, including his own home in Bolton, and was often reminded of his wonderful talent by people he met.

A veteran of the U.S. Army and the Connecticut National Guard, he proudly served his country during the Korean War. Bob was a very patriotic man and the military was a significant part of his life, pride, and accomplishments.

Bob was a member of the South United Methodist Church. Additionally, he was a lifetime member of the Omar Shrine Club of Manchester, the Manchester Lodge of Masons, and the Order of Eastern Star. He also served on numerous boards including as a corporator of Manchester Memorial Hospital, advisory board of the Savings Bank of Manchester, and president of the Bolton Cemetery Association. He was the president of the Manchester Board of Realtors for many years and served as the president of the Bolton Scholarship Committee for 10 years. 

Bob leaves behind his loving wife, Elinor, of 67 years.  He was blessed with four beautiful children, Robin Murdock-Meggers and son-in-law, Thomas Meggers of Manchester, Susan Russo and son-in-law Charles Russo of Manchester, Wendy Pagani and son-in-law Mark Pagani, of Bolton, and David Murdock and daughter-in-law, Stacey Pineo Murdock, of Old Lyme.  His seven grandchildren, who affectionately called him Grampy, were a great source of pride and he loved them with all his heart and soul. He leaves his grandchildren, Peter Meggers and his wife, Lindsay Gengras Meggers of Manchester, Patrick Meggers and his wife, Katherine Gent Meggers of Fairfield, Megan Russo of New York City, New York, Nicholas Pagani and his wife, Erika Wallace Pagani of Boston, Mass., Allison Pagani of Boston, Mass., Halloran Murdock of West Haven, CT., and Robert Murdock of Nashville, TN.   He loved his two precious great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Clayton Meggers.  He is survived by his sister, Shirley Fortier, of Enfield, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents as well as sisters Lillian Lloyd and Mae Roser, a younger brother, David Murdock, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harry and Margaret Miner, and brother-in-law Harry “Pete” Miner.

We wish to thank all who expressed love and support to Bob’s family during his illness. A special thank you to his caretakers, Sue and Robin, and the Hospice team of the Visiting Nurses Association of Vernon.

A service to celebrate Bob’s life will be on Thursday, July 14 at South Methodist Church, 1226 Main Street, Manchester, at 1:00 p.m., followed by burial at East Cemetery in Manchester. Tierney’s Funeral home has care of the arrangements.

Please remember Bob with a smile, a laugh, or an act of kindness to others. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bolton Scholarship Fund, (Robert D. Murdock Memorial Scholarship) 72 Brandy Street, Bolton, CT., or South United Methodist Church, 1226 Main St. Manchester, CT. 

Although our hearts are broken and it is difficult to think of our days without his love and guidance, we will find comfort in our fond memories and will carry him in our hearts forever.

For online condolences, please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.