Lawrence Murphy; craftsman honed skills, knowledge; at 69

Mr. Murphy, a history buff and longtime employee of the former Boston Edison Company, died from lung cancer Oct. 6 at his home. He was 69.

A native of Dorchester, Lawrence S. Murphy attended St. Mark’s Grammar School and graduated from Dorchester High School in 1958, then enlisted in the Navy. For two years, he served with the Seabees, a construction battalion. He traveled the world setting up temporary base camps for land-based forces.

His unit went to Bermuda, Turkey, and Okinawa, among other places. Mr. Murphy credited his time in the service with teaching him valuable life skills.

“He learned so much through that time,’’ said his son Neil, of Scituate. “He became not so much a carpenter, but really a craftsman. Everything he did, he got his start with the Seabees.’’

After leaving the Navy, Mr. Murphy returned to Dorchester and worked for a prominent Boston architect for a year before taking a job with Boston Edison as a nuclear drafting technician, creating technical drawings for nuclear power plants.

In 1963, he met Susanne Toland, who also worked at Boston Edison. They were married two years later and, in 1967, bought a house in Abington. The house became a labor of love for Mr. Murphy, who spent decades improving, expanding, and remodeling the Randolph Street home using his skills in woodworking, carpentry, and landscaping. He took great pride in his property and loved to showcase it at family gatherings or parties.

Mr. Murphy was an avid reader, preferring works of nonfiction and history.

“He had a thirst for knowledge,’’ Neil said. “He was very passionate about history and reading.’’

So great was Mr. Murphy’s respect for Jefferson that he built a special room in his honor at home. Often referred to as “T.J.’s room,’’ it was complete with pictures, quotes, artifacts, and period details. “It’s really a neat room,’’ Neil said. “It’s like walking into Monticello.’’

After 33 years at Boston Edison, Mr. Murphy retired early at age 55. During his time at the company, he was actively involved with the Employees’ Club, holding various offices, including president. After he left, he became active in the retirees’ association.

In retirement, Mr. Murphy kept very busy with projects for friends and family. Once, he built an English-style pub in a basement in Norwell, complete with a wide pine ceiling. He also continued to pursue his many hobbies, including photography and woodworking. He immersed himself in genealogy, creating and updating a family website as a way for relatives to stay connected.

He enjoyed travel, but preferred short trips to the beach. He took buses to New York or Baltimore to see the Red Sox on the road, enjoying the trip almost as much as the destination.

“He loved talking to people on the way,’’ said his wife, Susanne. “He really enjoyed meeting and conversing with people.’’

Once, on a trip to Fort Myers, Fla., during Red Sox spring training, mindful that his daughter Joanne was pregnant, he watched as David Ortiz stepped up to the plate. Mr. Murphy turned to his wife and said, “Papi’s going to put one out and Joanne’s going to call and tell us we got a boy.’’

Sure enough, Ortiz homered and Mr. Murphy soon had a new grandson. It became one of his favorite stories to tell.

In addition to his wife and son Neil, Mr. Murphy leaves four daughters, Susanne DeCoste of East Sandwich, Marianne Dankese of Abington, Julianne Angiolillo of West Dennis, and Joanne Ciesielski of Abington; another son, Lawrence Jr. of Brooklyn, N.Y.; four sisters, Claire Molisse of Weymouth, Eleanor McGonagle of Middleborough, Connie Gill of Tempe, Ariz., and Kathleen Keane of Weymouth; and three brothers, Neil of Plympton, and Richard and Kevin, both of Weymouth; and 15 grandchildren.

Services have been held.