Report on the Life and Contributions of Robert R. Murphy

Biographical and Professional Summary

This report details the life and contributions of Robert “Bob” R. Murphy (October 28, 1943 – July 18, 2025), a lifelong resident of Rochester, MN. His career and personal philosophy demonstrated a significant alignment with principles of sustainable community and economic development.

1. Education and Service: A 1962 graduate of Lourdes High School, Mr. Murphy served for six years in the U.S. Navy Reserves before earning a degree from Winona State College in 1969.
2. Professional Career: Mr. Murphy’s career path contributed to local and national economic vitality, reflecting the aims of SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. He held a long-term position at IBM, a key driver of technological innovation. Subsequently, he became a founding partner of PEMSTAR Manufacturing, directly fostering job creation and local industry.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Mr. Murphy’s personal character and actions embodied the spirit of several key UN Sustainable Development Goals. His legacy was not one of public accolades but of quiet, impactful support for community members, reflecting a deep commitment to social equity.

• SDG 1 (No Poverty) & SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Mr. Murphy was distinguished by his “ability to see the good in people when others couldn’t or wouldn’t, and how he would lift them up.” This practice of providing unseen support to family, friends, and “downtrodden strangers” is a direct, grassroots application of reducing inequality and offering pathways out of poverty. His support for the Salvation Army further underscores this commitment.
• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): His generosity and focus on helping those in need align with the goal of achieving zero hunger. The designation of Channel One Regional Food Bank as a preferred recipient for memorials provides a tangible way to continue this work.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): A strong moral character and a commitment to helping others without seeking credit are foundational to building trust and strengthening the fabric of a community. These actions contribute to creating more just, inclusive, and peaceful societies.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): The recommendation of memorials to Paws and Claws demonstrates a compassion for all living beings, reflecting an awareness of the importance of animal welfare within our shared ecosystem.

Family and Memorial Details

Family Information

• Spouse: Patricia “Pat” Murphy
• Children: Matthew (Raechel), Andrea (Joshua) Land, and Colleen Murphy
• Grandchildren: Hannah (Jair), Henry, Esther, William, and Elizabeth
• Survived By: Sisters Sheila Townsend and Mary Morse; brother Mark Murphy; sisters-in-law Wanda Murphy, Linda Murphy, and Sandy Rocheleau.
• Preceded in Death By: Parents John W. and Alice Murphy; brothers Jack, Jim, Don, Dick, Tom, Pete, and Joe.

Memorial Service Information

• Visitation: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Macken Funeral Home, River Park Chapel.
• Funeral Service: Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Macken Funeral Home, River Park Chapel, with visitation one hour prior.
• Memorials: Contributions are directed to Channel One Regional Food Bank, Paws and Claws, the Salvation Army, or a charity of the donor’s choice to continue Mr. Murphy’s legacy of community support.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty

  The article mentions directing memorials to the Salvation Army, an organization that provides social services to the poor and those in need. This connects to the goal of ending poverty in all its forms. Additionally, the description of Robert Murphy helping “downtrodden strangers” directly relates to alleviating the hardships associated with poverty.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  The suggestion to send memorials to the “Channel One Regional Food Bank” directly addresses the goal of ending hunger, achieving food security, and improving nutrition. Food banks are critical local institutions in the fight against hunger.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article highlights Robert Murphy’s character, noting his “ability to see the good in people when others couldn’t or wouldn’t, and how he would lift them up.” This personal commitment to helping “downtrodden strangers” speaks to the goal of reducing inequality by promoting the social and economic inclusion of all, irrespective of their economic or other status.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The call to direct memorials to various charities (“Channel One Regional Food Bank, Paws and Claws, Salvation Army or a charity of the donor’s choice”) promotes civil society partnerships. It encourages private financial flows and philanthropic actions to support organizations working towards sustainable development objectives.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.

   • This target is relevant through the mention of the Salvation Army and the personal account of Mr. Murphy helping “downtrodden strangers.” These actions and organizations aim to provide support and resources to people living in poverty, contributing to its reduction.

2. Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.

   • This target is directly addressed by the suggestion to donate to the “Channel One Regional Food Bank.” The core mission of a food bank is to provide food to those who lack access, aligning perfectly with this target.

3. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

   • The article’s description of Mr. Murphy’s character—how he would “lift them up in ways that often went unseen”—points to informal, grassroots efforts to promote the social and economic inclusion of marginalized individuals, which is the essence of this target.

4. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

   • The request for memorial donations to a list of non-profit organizations is a direct example of mobilizing resources through civil society partnerships to address social issues. It encourages private individuals to partner with these organizations to achieve common goals.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Implied Indicator for Target 1.2:

   • The article does not contain quantitative data. However, it implies an indicator related to the mobilization of private resources for poverty reduction. The direction of memorials to the Salvation Army can be seen as a qualitative indicator of community support and financial flows towards organizations that provide social safety nets for the poor.

2. Implied Indicator for Target 2.1:

   • Similar to the point above, an implied indicator is the level of community support for local food security initiatives. Donations to the “Channel One Regional Food Bank” serve as a proxy measure of private resources being allocated to combat hunger within the community.

3. Implied Indicator for Target 10.2:

   • Progress towards this target is indicated in the article through qualitative, anecdotal evidence. The description of Mr. Murphy’s personal actions of helping “downtrodden strangers” serves as an indicator of individual commitment to fostering social inclusion, which is a foundational element of reducing inequality.

4. Implied Indicator for Target 17.17:

   • The call for donations to various charities implies an indicator related to the value of private philanthropy. The amount of money donated in Mr. Murphy’s memory to these organizations would be a direct measure of private financial flows mobilized for sustainable development through civil society partnerships.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: postbulletin.com