George J. Murphy, 91, passed away peacefully on January 31 at the St Vincent de Paul Nursing Home.
He was born in Berlin on October 6, 1926 the son of Edward and Eva (Croteau) Murphy. He attended
Guardian Angel School and graduated from Oblate High School Seminary in Bucksport Maine. He
furthered his studies at the Oblate College in Bar Harbor. George enlisted in the army and served in
Korea during the Korean War. Upon his return to Berlin he was employed by Lamoureux Clothing
Store, Lavigne Red Wing Express and Adley Trucking. He then began a 40 year career with Sanborn
Express Co. working in Norway Maine, Lewiston and Portland before transferring to become terminal
manager in Shrewsbury Mass. In 1971 he married Rita Jutras and the two had 32 wonderful years
together. After her death in 2003 he moved back to his beloved city of Berlin.
George, or “uncle George” as he was affectionately called by many, loved people, socializing, holidays,
singing and traveling. Though he never had children of his own he was always close to his nieces and
nephews. He was proud of his French Irish ancestry and being a part of the large Croteau / Labrecque
clan on Berlin's East Side. He was a devout communicant of the Good Shepherd Parish. He was a
member of the Eagles, VFW Post 2520, Catholic War Veterans, the Marie Rivier Association and the
Good Shepherd choir. He was also a volunteer at the Androscoggin Valley Hospital and received the
2007 volunteer of the year award.
George is survived by his sister Jeannette Croteau of Lewiston Maine, sisters in law Theresa Dastous
of Chester NH and Violet Ogiba and husband Henry of Dracut Massachusetts and several nieces and
nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his wife Rita, brothers Ernest, Henri, Romeo and
Robert, his sisters Isabelle (Blais) and Dorothy.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday February 11 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 and Monday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 AM at Bryant Funeral Home, Hillside Ave in Berlin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday February 12 at
10:00 AM at St Anne's Church in Berlin. Interment will be at the St Joseph Cemetery in East Chelmsford Massachusetts at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Presentation of Mary Sisters or the St Vincent de Paul Nursing Home Activities Fund.