Richard J. “Dick” Murdza Veteran
September 11, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Joseph Murdza, 90, of Lexington, formerly of Medford, on September 11th, 2026, surrounded by family.
Born to Anna and Walter Murdza, Richard grew up in Somerville and attended Somerville High School. After high school, he served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. After his enlistment, he headed west to California with his longtime friend Bobby “Boris” Pickett. While in Los Angeles, he became an apprentice and later a journeyman cabinetmaker, beginning a lifelong love of carpentry and craftsmanship.
A visit home to Massachusetts changed the course of his life when he met his future wife Kathy at The Jumbo in Somerville. California could no longer compete, and Kathy would later say he didn’t look like anyone else in the room; he was so sharply dressed.
Richard was a truly unique person who always marched to the beat of his own drum. He was hardworking, independent, generous, and always happiest when he could be useful to someone. As Kathy would often say, “He would help anybody in need.” Whether he was lending a hand, fixing something, bringing something by, or showing up at a moment’s notice, he rarely arrived empty-handed.
Richard went on to build a career as a contractor and took enormous pride in his work. In fact, his favorite part of his job was going to meet potential clients where he would introduce himself as “Dick from Town & Country”. His appointment book was full. After working all day, he would often have multiple appointments in the evening to make sure he provided the best for his family, putting his children through private school, good food on table, and making sure Kathy could indulge in her redecorating whims. He respected hard work and was known for being generous to the people who worked for him, providing lunch, and always making sure to clean up before customers came home.
Outside of work, Richard had no shortage of interests. He was an avid fisherman, who also loved playing golf, shooting pool, listening to jazz and consistently beating members of his family at any and all board games. He was a member of the Winter Hill Yacht Club for more than 60 years, landing his prized 1,077lb blue fin tuna. He could talk about nearly anything and usually had a story, an opinion, or a piece of advice ready.
Richard could also be counted on to say no to an invitation, attend anyway, and later admit that he had a great time.
He was raised to be tough, but over the years that toughness made plenty of room for tenderness. He became a deeply affectionate father and grandfather, never too reserved to greet his children and grandchildren with a kiss. He believed in his children and encouraged them to be capable and self-reliant. His daughter remembers how naturally he supported her, never treating being a woman as a limit on what she could learn or do. Among the many things he taught her was how to change her own oil.
Richard was a devoted husband to his beloved Kathy. After her death, his devotion to her continued. For more than 30 years, he visited her grave every day, tending the flowers and caring for the place where she rested. It was a quiet ritual that said everything about the constancy of his love.
Richard is survived by his son David and his wife Paula, his son Mark, his son Brian and wife Nicole, and his daughter Jennifer and wife Angela. He was also proudly known as “Pa” to his grandchildren Brian, Derek, Reilly and Maebel.
He was predeceased by his brother Russell and his sister Mary Certusi and is survived by his sister Eleanor Coughlin, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Richard will be remembered for his craftsmanship, his independence, his generosity, his style, his loyalty, and the unmistakable way he moved through the world. He was chivalrous, dependable, and always ready to help. Most of all, he will be remembered as a man who loved his family deeply and showed that love through a lifetime of doing, fixing, teaching, providing, and simply being there.
Relatives & friends are invited to attend his graveside service held at Oak Grove Cemetery, 230 Playstead Rd., Medford on Saturday October 3rd, 2026, at 11 AM. Please meet inside the main gate to join the procession.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.