Mr. Paul Russell Murphy, Sr., age 81, April 26, 2009, of Peabody, formerly of Medford. He was the beloved husband of Theresa Mary (Morrissey) Murphy. Born in Medford, Massachusetts, on May 2, 1927, he was a beloved son of the late Charles Joseph and Kathryn Veronica (Barrett) Murphy. Mr. Murphy was a graduate of Medford High School and received his bachelors degree from Western New England College in Springfield. Paul enlisted in th US Navy on March 1, 1945 and received his honorable discharge from Boston on August 1, 1946. While in the military, he earned the World War II Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Area Medal. He was also called back to the Navy and served during the Korean Conflict.
Paul was appointed to the Medford Police Department in 1951 and retired from the department in 1990 as Captain. During his tenure, he worked as a detective and fingerprint expert. In 1975, Paul received the Medal of Honor for Bravery Beyond the Call of Duty and a citation was awarded to him by the District Attorney, John J. Droney, for recognition of his “meticulous police investigations”. He was also selected to represent Medford at the FBI National Academy for his outstanding work at the Police Department. Following his retirement, he was granted the “Key to the City” by Mayor Michael McGlynn.
In his retirement, Mr. Murphy most recently lived in Peabody and Naples Florida.
Besides his beloved wife, Theresa, he will be very sorely missed by two daughters and
two sons-in-law; Lynda S. and her husband William H. Murray of Andover and Lisa A. and her husband Ted A. Caswell of Lynnfield, one son and one daughter-in-law; Paul R., Jr. and his wife Margaret W. Murphy of Apex, North Carolina, one sister and brother-in-law; Muriel C. and her husband Joe Quigley of Wakefield, ten grandchildren; Ashley E. and Justin B. Murray, Austin, Trevor, Emory and Jed Caswell and William B., Kathryn A., Charles A. and Mary Grace Murphy and many nieces and nephews.
His funeral was from the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford, Friday, May 1, 2009, at 9 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in St. Francis of Assisi Church, Fellsway West, Medford at 10 AM. Visiting hours were Thursday, April 30, 2009, from 4 to 8 PM. Interment, with military honors was held in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Donations in Paul’s memory may be made to the Medford Police Relief Fund, C/O the Medford Police Department, 100 Main Street, Medford, MA 02155. For additional information, please visit, www.magliozzifuneralhome.com.