Frank J. Murgo, 95, formerly of Houghton Street, Barrington, died peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Shirley A. (Crawford) Murgo.  

Born in Bristol, a son of the late Matteo and Mary (Cavallaro) Murgo, he lived in Barrington for 54 years. 

Mr. Murgo was a physical education teacher at Barrington High School for 31 years where he also was the football coach and athletic trainer before retiring in 1986. Frank was Rhode Island’s first Certified Athletic Trainer. 

Frank was a graduate of Colt Memorial High School Class of 1942 and Springfield College Class of 1951. He was a United States Coast Guard Veteran serving during World War II.

Mr. Murgo was a communicant of St. Luke Church. He was a member of the Barrington Booster’s Club. He was elected to numerous Halls of Fame including, Barrington High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Bristol High School Athletic Hall of Fame, The R.I. Interscholastic League Hall of Fame, The R.I Football Coaches Hall of Fame and the Providence Gridiron Club Hall of Fame. In 1999 Barrington High School established the Frank Murgo Physical Education Award. Most recently, the Barrington High School Gymnasium was named in his honor.

Frank had many joys after his retirement. He loved traveling to Canada and Florida to visit friends and families.  He enjoyed shell-fishing, mushrooming, golfing, and supporting all student activities at Barrington High, Mt. Hope and St. Andrew's.  

Frank always had a smile on his face and was quick to share his words of wisdom. But his greatest joys in life were his children, grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The Murgo family feels truly blessed and very thankful for the many people who remember and loved him. He had a life well lived. A special note of appreciation to The Rhode Island Veterans Home, that will always have a special place in our hearts.

He is survived by his children, Caron Martin and her husband Wayne of Barrington, Matthew F. Murgo of Middletown, Bruce A. Murgo and his wife Mary Ann of Warren and Lori A. Olson of Portsmouth; six grandchildren, Christopher Martin, Matthew Murgo, Julia Murgo, Michaela Olson, James Olson and Nicholas Murgo; two great-grandchildren, Hazel Martin and Aria Lennon Rudis and a brother, Lou Murgo of San Bruno, Calif. He was the brother of the late Carol Nenna and Antoinette Murgo.

His funeral will be held on Friday, Jan. 11, from the W. Raymond Watson Funeral Home, 350 Willett Ave., Riverside at 8:45 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Luke Church, Washington Road, Barrington at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Forest Chapel Cemetery, Nayatt Road, Barrington. Calling hours are Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Frank’s memory to the Barrington Booster’s Club, P.O. Box 232, Barrington R.I 02806 or The Rhode Island Veterans Home, 480 Metacom Avenue, Bristol, R.I 02809 would be deeply appreciated. For online condolences please visit wrwatsonfuneralhome.com