Published in the August 31, 2015 edition

ObitPaulMurphy-webWAKEFIELD — Paul X. Murphy, 84, of Wakefield and formerly of Somerville, died Aug. 29 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Somerville, on April 10, 1931, he was the son of the late Daniel and Mary (Lydon) Murphy.

Paul was a very proud alumni of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, Class of 1957. He was the owner of Apothecary Hall Drug Store in Somerville for many years.  Paul worked for the City of Somerville as a milk inspector and bacteriologist, later serving as the Director of Public Health in Somerville from 1979 until his retirement.

He was an active member of St. Joseph Parish in Wakefield and served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and a member of the Parish Finance Council for many years.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Janet E. (Prince) Murphy. He is also survived by his children and their spouses, Paula Zammarelli and her husband Paul, Diana Hulme and her husband Sandy, Janet Mayne and her husband Peter, John Murphy, Rosanne Dulong and her husband Joseph, Mary O’Neill and her husband Christopher, Catherine Fallon and her husband Paul and his daughter-in-law, Kimberly Murphy. He was predeceased by his son, Richard Murphy. Paul was the proud grandfather of 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers, James, Daniel and Gerald Murphy.

His funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment will be at Forest Glade Cemetery, Wakefield.