Gordon A. Murphy, of Old Orchard Beach, passed away at his home on Sunday, August 9, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Portland, Maine on July 21, 1941, a son of Ernest and Delma (Norrad) Murphy. Gordon grew up in Old Orchard Beach and attended Old Orchard Beach High School. Beginning at the age of ten, Gordon learned the family business at Murphy’s and Sons Garage, where he and his brother Walter worked tirelessly serving the needs of the local community. In addition to his work as a mechanic, Gordon also spent six years as a reservist in the Army National Guard.

Gordon married the love of his life, Celeste Garon, on March 20, 1965. The young couple remained in Old Orchard Beach where they raised their two sons, Timothy and Garon.

Gordon was a man of many talents. When he and his brother decided to sell the garage in 1986, Gordon started his own successful locksmith business. He also spent 20 years as a reserve officer with the Old Orchard Beach Police Department. The work ethic that started at a young age, continued throughout his life with Gordon finally deciding to retire at age 82.

Given his deep roots in the community, and all the friends and acquaintances that he made at the garage and as a locksmith, there wasn’t a place he would go without running into someone he knew. Outside of his work-life, Gordon had a passion for Freemasonry. He was a member of the Old Orchard Beach Masonic Lodge and served in many capacities, ultimately becoming a 32nd-degree Master Mason. He was also a member of the Emerald Society, an Irish-American fraternal organization with its members primarily being from law enforcement.

Gordon acquired his father’s hunting camp located in Down East Maine, where many lasting memories were made with family and friends. His hobbies were extensive and included fly-fishing, duck hunting with his black labs, and riding ATV’s. He was an avid gun collector, and reloaded much of his own ammo. Gordon and Celeste were fortunate to have traveled extensively throughout their lives. They hauled their Airstream Camper to Lake Tahoe for eight consecutive years to visit their son, they vacationed in Aruba, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and in many European countries.

Most of all, Gordon loved to entertain. He was a very social person and enjoyed interacting and talking with everyone. Gordon had a personality that everyone would gravitate to, and his most notable phrase was “If the lights are on come on over, I’ll buy you a drink”. Gordon and Celeste would also host an annual Easter Open House where they served over 200 people right out of their home. Besides Easter’s meaning as a Christian Holiday, it also marked the birthday of their son Timothy who passed away in 2018. Having friends and family around during this time was extra meaningful.

Gordon will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Gordon was predeceased by his two sons, Garon Murphy and Timothy Murphy.

He is survived by his loving wife, Celeste Murphy, of 61 years; by his granddaughters, Brittney Cacace-Shortill and wife Allegra, Jamie Paquette, and Autumn Paquette; by his brother, Walter Murphy and wife Sherry; as well as by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a great-granddaughter.

Visiting Hours will be from 11am-1pm, with a funeral service beginning at 1pm on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James Street, Saco.

In lieu of flowers. donations to the following organizations are encouraged:

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

2361 Hyland Blvd

Staten Island, NY 10306

or

Shriner's Children's Hospital

51 Blossom St

Boston MA 02114