Lorne A. “Mr. Murph” Murphy will be honored by the SHS Basketball community on Friday, Jan. 3.

On May 25, 2012 a treasured member of the Somerville High School Basketball family was lost. Mr. Lorne A. Murphy, affectionately known as “Mr. Murph,” passed at the age of 85. Mr. Murph was the beloved husband of the late Mary (DeStefano). He was the father of Judy DiBiase and longtime Somerville Public School Teacher Lorne P. Murphy.

Mr. Murph served his country proudly in the Army during World War II. After retirement, he worked for numerous years as a locker room security attendant for Somerville High School. Mr. Murph was a proud member of the SHS Boys Basketball Program for over 30 years. His significance to the program cannot be measured in words. He was equal parts: coach, mentor, father/grandfather figure, counselor, confidant, and most of all a friend. He impacted and helped mold many of the men that proudly call themselves SHS Alums.

On January 3, 2014 the Somerville High School Basketball family will come together and honor Mr. Murph. We are inviting all alumni, fans, friends, opponents, even past referees and most of all Mr. Murph’s family back to the Field House for a celebration of all his accomplishments. Anyone who knew Mr. Murph would tell you that what he was most proud of, besides his beautiful family, were “his boys.” He loved his players like they were his sons and grandsons. All are asked to come out and show his family how much he meant to everyone.

SHS will host O’Bryant High School at 7 p.m. There will be a ceremony at halftime to honor Mr. Murph. After the game all family, alumni, and friends are invited to On the Hill Tavern, 499 Broadway, Somerville, MA for a social gathering.