Published in the October 26, 2018 edition
SALEM, N.H. — Paul R. Murphy passed away at his home in Salem, N.H. on October 21, 2018.
Paul was a cherished and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle – and a friend to many more. He grew up near Fellsway West in Medford, the fifth and youngest child to William and Margaret Josephine (Devine) Murphy, Irish immigrants from Wexford and Donegal. He attended Immaculate Conception elementary school and graduated from Medford High School in 1953 before enlisting in the Marines and serving in Korea. He was a retired lieutenant from the Metropolitan District Commission police force where he spent twenty years in law enforcement.
Paul valued family more than anything and was happiest when his house was filled with company. The kitchen table was where stories and laughs were shared and he was always there to help when family or friends were in need. Everyone knew they could count on Paul, dad, or “unc,” as many of his nieces and nephews called him. Those who knew him will remember his quick sense of humor, his neat appearance, and his respect for people. He treated everyone the way he would want to be treated. This compassion stemmed from his strong Catholic faith and served as an example for his children and grandchildren.
He liked to visit Hampton Beach with his family during the summers. He loved his Boston sports teams, especially the Red Sox and Bruins. Later in life, he enjoyed golf and played many courses across the North Shore and Southern New Hampshire. He will be missed dearly by Elinor, his wife of 59 years that he adored, as well as his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Paul was the beloved husband of Elinor E. (Shea) Murphy. Loving father of Helen Murphy Connors and her husband Timothy of Reading, Kathleen Connors and her late husband Francis of Reading, Patricia Murphy and her husband Michael Kavanagh of Methuen, Paul Murphy and his wife Michele of Melrose and Mark Murphy and his wife Jennifer of Saugus. Proud grandfather of Jason Connors and Grace Murphy, Tarynn and Andrew Connors and James and Luke Smith. Brother of the late Francis, William, Lillian and Rita. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Sunday, October 28 from 2 – 6 p.m. Funeral procession from Gately Funeral Home on Monday, October 29 at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St. Wakefield at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford. US Marine Corps Korean War veteran. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s name to Home Health VNA, Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St,, Bldg #9, Lawrence, MA 01843 or to Boston Catholic Television, P.O. Box 9196, Watertown, MA 02471. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com
