Robert F. "Bob" Murtha, 87, joined his wife, Mary, in heaven on September 8, 2015 when he died peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He was born to James and Mae Murtha on July 31, 1928. Bob was a loving father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. He leaves behind his four beloved children, his sons, Thomas Murtha and Robert Murtha Jr., his daughters and their spouses, Nancy and Bruce Heckler and Karen and Kevin Heckman. He adored his ten grandchildren, Timothy Murtha and his wife Tanya, Steven Murtha and his fiancée Ashley, Daniel Murtha and his wife Samantha, Molly and Sarah Murtha, Ryan, Justin and Tyler Heckman and Mary and Andy Heckler. His new great grandson, Jack Murtha, brought him great joy. He is also survived by his three very special sisters and a brother-in-law whom he loved and admired, Lois Murtha, Rita Quinn and Marie and John Stover. He was predeceased by his wife Mary C. Uricchio Murtha, forty-four years ago, and his brother James A. Murtha Jr. Prior to his death, Bob was President of Legal Service Plan, a business he started in 1981. He was a 50 year member of IBEW#35, where he was a business agent and electrician for many years. He tried his hand at many different occupations throughout the years. One he spoke of frequently was his years as a Hartford firefighter. Bob loved his time in the US Navy where he traveled the world. He was also active in many civic organizations including: the Elks and the Wethersfield Democratic Town Committee. He was a strong advocate for the rights of individuals with Developmental Disabilities throughout his life in honor of his son. Bob loved being with his family. He never wanted any gifts other than to have his family together. He loved watching his grandchildren play and joke with each other. Some of his fondest memories were from summers at Point O’ Woods Beach. The one thing we will remember most about him is the special love and deep bond he had with his son Bobby. They had a deep understanding of one other and communicated perfectly without words. He was truly a special man that was loved and admired by many. He will be in our hearts forever. His family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Maple View Health and Rehabilitation Center in Rocky Hill for their kindness and care during the last few months.
His family will receive friends at the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue in West Hartford on Sunday, September 13th from 3:00-5:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Incarnation Church, 544 Prospect St., Wethersfield, CT on Monday, September 14th at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Friends are asked to meet at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Robert F. Murtha Jr. Trust Fund, c/o Maher and Murtha LLC, 528 Clinton Avenue, Bridgeport, CT O6605. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.