James E. Brophy
July 9, 1932 — April 9, 2016
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Visitation
Funeral Mass
James E. Brophy
Jim was born in Melrose on July 9, 1932, one of two sons of the late John T. Brophy and Mary E. (O'Donnell) Brophy.He graduated with the Class of 1951 from Melrose High School where he lettered in football. Jim was a regular neighborhood kid, playing baseball and basketball on the common, and tobogganing down East Foster Street. Upon his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean War and receiving an honorable discharge in 1954. On September 23, 1956 he married his high school sweetheart, Marcia M. Black at St. Mary's Church in Melrose. They settled in Melrose and later North Reading to raise a family of three children, and enjoyed a loving partnership and mutual admiration throughout their 56 years of marriage.
Mr. Brophy followed in the footsteps of his grandfather as a heavy equipment operator. A longtime member of Local #4, International Union of Operating Engineers, Mr. Brophy worked for the Franki Foundation as a Hoisting Engineer for many years. He travelled extensively while working for the international company on job sites from New England to Barbados. Mr. Brophy was a strong, silent perfectionist who led by example with his loyalty and work ethic.
Jim had a natural ability to work with his hands. In his free time, he crafted wooden tables and cabinets, restored old cars especially his favorite Chevy Mustang, and renovated bathrooms and kitchens with ease. He could fix anything, and was always willing to help his family or his many friends.
Mr. Brophy was a devoted family man and a loyal friend to many. He cherished his wife and they enjoyed many trips together from Las Vegas to California, Florida, the Grand Canyon, Barbados, Ireland and Portugal.As a father, he was a strict yet loving and supportive presence.Jim watched as his children played sports, often umpiring games, and providing encouragement. He continued as a grandfather, always present for sporting events, dance recitals or competitions.
He was comfortable living on Cape Cod, loved his home in S. Yarmouth, and especially enjoyed relaxing on the back patio.Later in life, he enjoyed re-connecting with old friends online and catching up with a phone call. Jim's last few weeks were an example of his grace and strength as he realized his time was short. His sincerity and concern for others never wavered as he reached out to say goodbye to those closest to him.Jim's legacy of love and care for family and friends will live on in the hearts of his family.
Jim was the beloved husband of the late Marcia M. (Black) Brophy with whom he shared 56 years of marriage.Devoted father of Karen J. Twomey & her husband Jack of Melrose, Robert J. Brophy & his wife Deborah of N. Reading, and John S. Brophy & his wife Korey of Harwich.Dear brother of John T. Brophy & his wife Joanne of Syracuse, NY. Cherished grandfather of Erin Galvin and her husband Stephen, Sean Twomey and his girlfriend Aleksandra, Kristyn Brophy, Matthew Brophy, Emily Brophy and Justin Brophy.Loving great-grandfather of Stephen and Liam Galvin, and Roman and Alexander Twomey. Also survived by a large extended family.
Relatives & friends will honor and remember Jim's life by gathering for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, April 12 from 4-8 PM and again on Wednesday morning at 8am before leaving in procession to St. Mary's Church, Herbert St., Melrose for his Funeral Mass celebrated at 9am. Gifts in honor of Jim may be made to the Faustman Lab, MGH-East, Immunology Labs, Bldg. 149, 13th St., Rm 3602, Charlestown, MA 02129 or online at www.faustmanlab.org/support/support.html, or American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210, or VNA Hospice of Cape Cod, 434 Rt. 134, Dennis, MA 02660.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James E. Brophy, please visit our flower store.
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
4:00 - 8:00 pm
Robinson Funeral Home
Funeral Mass
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Starts at 9:00 am
St. Mary's Church
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