Norman M. Murphy

ROCKPORT — Norman M. Murphy, devoted father and grandfather, passed peacefully from this world Saturday, March 13, 2010 surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born in Ludlow, New Brunswick, Canada on Jan. 8, 1931. The oldest of nine children, he was dearly loved by his parents, the late Walter and Jane (Drever) Murphy.

From a young age he led a very adventurous life, working and traveling throughout Canada, from New Brunswick to British Columbia; eventually arriving in Massachusetts where he met the love of his life, Barbara L. Gossom. They were wed on March 20, 1955 and settled in Annisquam where they raised their six children, sharing 33 years of marriage until her sudden death in 1988. His heart belonged to her completely, until he breathed his last breath.

Although he lived far from his childhood home, his family in Canada always remained close to his heart. Every summer he looked forward to returning, with his wife and children, to his Canadian home on the Miramichi River where he enjoyed fishing and canoeing with his family, taking long walks on the family property, picking berries and fiddleheads down by the gully. He loved sharing this part of his life and the beauty of the river with his children. He was an avid reader and fascinating storyteller who kept the generations entertained. He was affectionately known, as "Papa" to his grandchildren's friends. Nothing brought him greater pleasure than to be surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was a rugged outdoorsman, but he loved with all his heart and will be deeply missed by his family.

He is survived by his children, Shaun Murphy, companion of Gail Madruga, Sharon, wife of Wayne Ciaramitaro, Daniel Murphy, husband of Maria, all of Gloucester, Kimberly, wife of Ronald Grover, Tammy, wife of David Hanson, and Keri, wife of Jeffrey Cloak, all of Rockport; 18 grandchildren, Shaun Pierce, Shara and Brittney Murphy, Tanaia Ventura, Sharai Ciaramitaro, Crystal Arsenault, Shane, Branden and Marissa Murphy, Shannon, Ronald, Ashley and Brianna Grover, David, Sasha and Makayla Hanson and Kyla and Jeffrey Cloak; nine great-grandchildren, Holly, Nicholas, Jude, Jaden, Jeremiah, Emily, Madelyn, David and Callie; his siblings, Shirley, wife of George Fullarton, Bertha, wife of Reginald Shanahan, Tannis, wife of Bill Peterken, Barbara Hunter, Reginald, husband of Ann Murphy and Beverly Harvey, all of Canada; brothers-in-Law, George Gossom Jr., Gilbert Gossom Sr., husband of Nancy, Kenneth Gossom Sr., husband of Cheryl and Anthony T. Moses Jr., companion of Adrienne Lavallee; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was previously deceased by his beloved siblings, Jack Murphy and Helen Engel; his four cherished aunts, Grace, Florence and Lucy Murphy, Laura Hovey and her husband, Aaron; his dearly loved mother-in-law, Florence (Griffin) Gossom Moses; father-in-law, Anthony T. Moses Sr; brothers-in-law, Elmer Engel and Blair Hunter; and two precious grandchildren, Cory Murphy and Kristy Ciaramitaro.

ARRANGEMENTS: In keeping with his wishes, his funeral services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle St., Gloucester. Interment will be in the family lot at Wesleyan Cemetery, Gloucester. For more information and to send online condolences, please visit www.grondinfuneralservices.com.