Paul V. Murphy

Paul V. Murphy, 88, a Worcester Fire Fighter for 41 years, died peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2008 in the Rose Monahan Hospice Home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Thomas and Mary (Sarsfield) Murphy and lived in Worcester all his life. His wife of 45 years, Margaret A. (Ladden) Murphy, died in 1991.

Paul is survived by his four children. He leaves two sons, Paul V. Murphy Jr. and his wife Mary of Holden, Robert C. Murphy and his wife Mary Ellen of Worcester; two daughters, Suzanne M. Migliorelli and her husband Thomas of Holden, and Margaret A. Robinson and her husband Donald of Shrewsbury. He also leaves nine grandchildren, Laurie B. (Murphy) Gillis and her husband Brian of Wilmington, Ryan P. Murphy and his wife Allison of Sturbridge, Jillian Murphy of Holden, Kara Migliorelli of Houston, TX, Mathew Migliorelli and his wife Leila of Waltham, Michael and John Robinson of Shrewsbury, Erin Murphy of Webster, and Sean Murphy or Boston; and several nieces and nephews. Paul was predeceased by two brothers, Thomas Murphy of Centerville and John Murphy of Worcester, and two grandchildren David Robinson, and Meredith Murphy.

Paul was proud to serve in the Worcester Fire Department for 41 years. As a firefighter his assignments included the School Street, Prescott Street, and Grove Street Headquarters. He completed his career with a long term assignment as a fire inspector in the Fire Prevention Department.

He was a member of St. Peter's Parish, The Knights of Columbus, The Grafton Hillers Sportsman Club, Local 1009 Fire Department Union, State and Local Fire and Police Association, and long term Director of the Worcester Fire Department Credit Union.

Paul was known for his keen sense of humor, optimistic outlook on life, and his kind and caring nature. His greatest love and joy in life was his family. Fondly known as "Poppa" to his grandchildren, he was a big part of their lives and took great pride in their accomplishments.

Paul worked for many years part-time at Iandoli's Package Store and Austin Liquors, recently retiring in 2007. He cherished the many friendships he made with his co-workers.

Visiting hours will be held Wed., September 17, at Callahan & Fay Brothers Funeral Home, 63 Myrtle St., from 5-8 p.m. A funeral Mass in celebration of Paul's life will be Thurs., September 18 at 11:00 a.m. St. Peter's Church, 929 Main St., Worcester. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the pastoral staff at St. Peter's Church, and extend their heart felt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home for their kind, and loving care of Paul, and their support.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul's memory may be made to the Rose Monahan Hospice Home, 10 Judith Road Worcester, St. Peter's Church, The American Heart Association, or The American Cancer Society.