Lunenburg

John J. Murphy, M.D, 74, passed away surrounded by family in his Lunenburg home on December 28, 2020. He was the beloved husband to Elaine (Donovan) Murphy for many years.

Born in Brooklyn, New York on May 21, 1946, John was the son to the late James and Margaret (Jones) Murphy. John graduated from Xavierian High School in 1963 and earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Saint Peter's College located in Jersey City. Upon graduation from Saint Peter's College, he attended medical school at State University of New York Downstate where he earned an M.D. John then served in the Walter Reed Army Hospital and at the U.S. Army Hospital in Tehran, Iran, earning the rank of Major. Upon Honorable Discharge from the Army, he opened his own medical practice in Leominster, Massachusetts.

John met Elaine in Washington, D.C. and they moved to Lunenburg and were married. In his free time, John built handcrafted furniture, gardened, hiked, skied, golfed, read and traveled. He enjoyed traveling around the world as well as what he called "arm chair travel." He had adventures domestically and abroad, to include exotic locales in Europe, the Middle East and South America. He was at home in large cities and forests alike, with a keen appreciation for history, religion and the natural world. His skill at Trivial Pursuit is a thing of legend. Out of all the places he has been, John enjoyed his travels to Newfoundland, Canada the most, where his father was born and raised, as well as regular excursions to Cape Cod with his immediate family and grandchildren. As well as serving his community as a physician, he was an Officer of the Massachusetts Medical Society and very active in local land conservation. Above all, John is most known for his insurmountable joy for life, zest for learning, generosity and kindness.

In addition to his wife and golden retriever, Jackson, John is survived by his two children, Courtland Rae and his wife Caryn of Leesburg, VA and Alice Murphy Villalobos and her husband Brandon of Redondo Beach, CA. He is survived by five grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy, Sydney, Thomas, Emmett, Andrew Rae and Rowan Villalobos. John is also survived by his two siblings, Robert Murphy of Suffern, NY and Patricia (Pat) Wisneski of Chatham, NJ.

Services for John will be private.

In lieu of flowers, John's family has asked that a donation to a charity of your choice be made in his name.

The Lunenburg Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes, 763 Mass Ave, Lunenburg, MA has been entrusted with John's funeral arrangements.

Please visit our website to leave a condolence and for further information (www.masciarellifamilyfuneralhomes.net)

John F. Masciarelli, Walter C. Taylor and Olivia Willett funeral directors.

View the online memorial for John J. Murphy

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sentinel & Enterprise on Dec. 31, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Murphy

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9 Entries

John Boyle

January 3, 2021

John was a joy to be around. A gentle man with seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of whatever was being discussed. I fell into company with John at the invitation of the late Dave Shea. May these two paragons of civic and family virtues meet again in the heavenly firmament.

lynne J thomas

January 2, 2021

I was saddened to learn of the loss of Dr. Murphy. He will forever be remembered for his kindness, compassion and patience. sending sincerest sympathy to Elaine, Alice and Cortland. Wishing you comfort and peace,

The Hoppe and Syby Family

January 2, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

The Hoppe and Syby Family

January 2, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Craig Alaimo

December 31, 2020

Dr. Murphy- Very Sad to hear about you loss. I really enjoyed working with you at Wachusett Manor, you were a great Doctor and person. Rest In Peace. Thoughts and prayers with your family.

Linda Duplease

December 31, 2020

Mrs Murphy & Family, we are so deeply sorry for your loss. The serving staff at 110 Grill in Leominster so enjoyed waiting on you both. I enjoyed talking with you both about our adventures at Cape Cod this year. We will miss your visits. Our deepest sympathies to all.

Patricia Villalobos

Planted Trees

Stephen Syby

Planted Trees

susan gariepy RN

December 31, 2020

i graduated nursing school after raising my family . i started working with dr murphy at my first job and many more over an over twenty year friendship . i admired his kindness his compassion his dedication his ability to make every patient feel like they were number one with him . we joked a year and a half ago as i asked him when he was going to retire . he asked why i wanted to know . i told him i would when he would . he was still signing orders in november . i have admired four men in my life. . my father, my brother, my husband and dr john j murphy . he made the world a better place and i will miss him forever .

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