WORCESTER-John J. “Jack” Murphy, 83, of 26 Wyola Drive, died Friday, February 11th in St. Vincent Hospital after a brief illness. He leaves his wife of 57 years, Theresa M. (Dillon) Murphy, 4 sons, Lawrence J. Murphy of Southborough, William J. Murphy of Auburn, Mark J. Murphy and his wife Barbara of Sturbridge and Brian J. Murphy and his wife Eileen of Leicester, a daughter, Marie P. Murphy-Singer wife of David Singer of LaJolla, CA, a brother, Robert Moynagh and his wife Judy of Sturbridge, a sister, Jane Padro, wife of Juan of Charlton, 10 grandchildren, Colin, Barrett and Molly Wilson-Murphy, Curtis, Andrew, Gregory, Janlyn, Jack, Nora and Vincent Murphy, nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by two sisters, Ann (Murphy) Ford and Mary Moynagh and a daughter-in-law Donna Murphy.
He was born in Worcester the son of John J. Murphy and Mary Ellen (Donoghue) Murphy-Moynagh, graduated from St. John’s High School and Cornell University in Ithica, NY where he played varsity baseball. He was an army veteran of World War II serving in the Pacific Theatre in the anti aircraft division. Mr. Murphy was an insurance salesman for John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance for 40 years retiring in 1985. He was a member of Holy Cross Sodality of Our Lady and Our Lady of the Angels Church where he was proud to help raise money for the annual Bishop’s Fund Drive. He was an avid sports fan and a season ticket holder for the Holy Cross Crusaders football team since 1948. Jack was most proud of his children and enjoyed watching them pursue what they enjoyed. His daughter Marie is an elementary school teacher in California. One of Jacks greatest joys was to watch his sons and grandsons play hockey at Holy Cross and Merrimac Colleges and Trinity and Wesleyan Universities. He would later attend the hockey games coached by son Brian at St. John’s High School and Larry at St. Peter’s Central Catholic High School with Bill as his assistant. He loved vacationing at Drakes Island in Maine with his family.
The funeral is Monday, February 14th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at Noon in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday, February 13th from 1:30 until 4:30 PM in the funeral home.