Robert Anthony “Bob” Murtagh

Robert Anthony “Bob” Murtagh
Sunrise June 24, 1958
Sunset February 20, 2013

Robert “Bob” Murtagh slipped quietly into the loving arms of our heavenly Father as he courageously faced cancer which swiftly won a silent and undiagnosed battle throughout his entire body. Bob, age 54, was a beacon of light to all during his final eleven days of life in Emergency Rooms, hospitals, and hospice. He lived his Catholic faith in the face of death unto eternal life and assured us he was not afraid.

Bob was born in Anchorage Alaska just months before it became our 49th State. He continued the adventure with a successful career as a bartender on the Las Vegas strip from the late 1970’s until 1996 and made his home in Boulder City in 2006. Bob was most proud of his handsome and bright young son, John Joseph, who recently graduated as an EMT and is continuing his education to become a paramedic. Bob’s passion was political science and life as an entrepreneur. He was our “idea man”. Bob and the U.S. Trademark, Copyright, and Patent Office were on a first name basis. Bob’s sense of humor and laugh was so contagious! Bob was a member of the St. Andrew’s Council 8078 District 12 Knights of Columbus. He loved Notre Dame football, Italian food, and listening to golden oldie ratio stations.

Bob never met a challenge that he believed he couldn’t conquer. One never knows when we will meet an angel so please show kindness and compassion to those you meet no matter their station in life.

Bob’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the Boulder City Hospital Emergency Room staff; Spring Valley Hospital Emergency Room and ICU/IMC Unit physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals; Comprehensive Cancer Centers; and, Nathan Adelson Hospice nurses and healthcare professionals for your care and compassion.

Bob is survived by his son, John Joseph Murtagh III; sister Patti (Mel) Rains; sister Anne Murtagh; brother Mike (Peg) Murtagh; brother John (Kelli) Murtagh; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members. He was preceeded in death by his parents John and Peggy Murtagh.

Mass Celebration: 1:00pm Saturday March 9, 2013, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Community in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Boulder City, Nevada. The Very Rev. Robert Stoeckig, Pastor, presiding. Bob will be laid to rest with our parents at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Deacon Manny Garica presiding. This memorial is posted on the LaPaloma Mortuary website: http:\lapalomafuneralservices.com, Obituaries.

Catholic Charities was a friend to Bob over the years. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local community Catholic Charities or Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada Memorials in Bob’s name at www.catholiccharities.com (Donations Tab) or, call (702) 385-2662 or, mail to 1501 Las Vegas Blvd N. Las Vegas, Nevada 89101.