Published in the June 23, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Joseph H. Murray Jr., 92, a longtime resident of Melrose, entered peacefully into rest at the Meadow View Center in North Reading on Thursday, June 15.
Joseph was born in Boston on April 11, 1925, one of two children of the late Joseph H. Murray Sr. and Helen (Doherty) Murray.
Raised and educated in Dorchester, Joe entered the United States Army with his parents permission at age 17. Stationed in Europe as an aviation engineer, Joe was working with gliders when he was injured while performing his duties during the Rhineland Campaign. In 1945, he received an honorable discharge with a Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, American Theater Campaign Ribbon, and European, African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon. Although injured during service, Joe remained a faithful and proud veteran for the rest of his life.
Upon his return home, Joe began working at Wilson Sporting Goods and was introduced to Terry Mohlitny and they fell in love. Married on June 19, 1948, they lived in Philadelphia and started a family, before returning to Boston. Joe and Terry had three children, and made a home in Melrose where they became part of the community and neighborhood. He was a devout parishioner of Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield for many years.
For over 30 years, Joe worked as a Brookline letter carrier for the United States Post Office. Always sociable and willing to talk, Joe made many friends along his route, and greeted everyone with a hello or a quick joke.
A proud and honored veteran, Joe was a longtime member of the VFW Post #2394 in Melrose where he shared friendly banter with fellow veterans. He loved practical jokes, making people laugh, and most everyone remarked about his good nature. To support his family, Joe worked 5 or 6 days a week as a letter carrier and had evening jobs, but always found time to be with his wife, and children. He was not one to complain, never let things bother him, and carried on through whatever adversity he faced.
During his free time, Joe loved dancing and singing with Terry, ski trips during the winter, and going to the Cape during summer vacation. He enjoyed working around the house, visiting with his friends and neighbors, and traveled later in life. Most of all, he was a devoted family man who loved to make people laugh.
Joe was the beloved husband of the late Theresa (Mohlitny) “Terry” Murray and the late Irene (Mann) Murray. He was the devoted father of Claudia A. Putnam of Rochester, NH, Cheryl Deveney and her husband Jerry of Saugus, and Robert J. Murray and his wife Laurie of Manchester, NH. He was the dear brother of the late Kathleen Rehs. He was the cherished grandfather of 3 grandchildren, and 1 great-granddaughter.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Joe’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Monday, June 19 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and again on Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield for his funeral Mass celebrated at 11 a.m.
Interment with military honors by the US Army at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
Gifts in Joe’s memory may be made to the Melrose Veteran’s Relief Fund, c/o Veteran’s Office, 562 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176.
For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
