Obituary of John J Murphy

John J. Murphy, Major, U.S. Army (Ret.) of Boxford, formerly of Woburn, passed away on Wednesday morning, January 27. He was 96 years of age. Born in Boston, he was the son of the late James J., and the late Mary E. (Curley) Murphy. John was the devoted husband of Ethel B. (Perry) Murphy. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, having served 39 months in the South Pacific Theatre. After the War, John continued his military service with the United States Army Reserve, retiring in 1984 at the rank of Major. John had worked as a Marketing and development manager at both General Electric and at Sherwin Williams. He was a member of the George A. Campbell American Legion Post #101 in Woburn, the James L. Melvin American Legion Post #379 in Boxford; and he was a founding member and Charter Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #10257 in Boxford. John and Ethel were proud members of the First Congregational Church of Boxford. They had lived in Ellenton, Florida for several years before coming to Boxford. In addition to his beloved wife Ethel, John is survived by three sons, James K. Murphy and his wife Ann of Burlington, Robert B. Murphy and his wife Gayle of Boxford, and John D. Murphy of Newton; and two daughters, Maureen L (Murphy) Love and her husband John of Abingdon MD, and Pamela J. Murphy of Melrose. John was the loving Grandfather to 9 Grandchildren: Danny & Jeanne, Jessica & Rebecca, Shannon & Brian, Michael & Nicole, and Kerby; and loving great grandfather to 19 great grandchildren. John is also survived by his two beloved sisters, Dorothy Yost and Lorraine Varney. Private visitation for family will be held at the Graham Funeral Home in Woburn on Sunday. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at the Mount Vernon Cemetery, 11 Mount Vernon Rd., Boxford on Monday, February 1 at 11:30 am. Per current Covid-19 restrictions, we kindly ask that everyone in attendance wear a face covering, and observe social distancing guidelines at all times, and at all venues. Remembrances may be made in John’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) Arrangements by the Graham Funeral Home, Woburn.