Paul L. Murphy

1921 - 2016

Paul L. Murphy
Retired Lowell Deputy Fire Chief

Paul Leo Murphy, 94, Winter Haven, FL and Alfred, ME, died July 25, 2016 in Whitefield, NH.

Paul was born Oct. 29, 1921 in Lowell, MA, the son of the late George and Marion (Kelly) Murphy. He was educated in Lowell attending the Lincoln, Morey and graduated from Lowell High School.

Paul enlisted in the U S Marine Corp in Nov. 1942 and served as a pilot in the pacific region during World War II until April 1946, earning the rank of 1st lieutenant. He then joined the US Marine Reserves until March 1958 earning the rank of Captain.

Following the War, he returned to Lowell and in Sept 1947 became a firefighter for the city.

Paul retired Feb. 1977 as the first deputy chief in the JFK Civic Center. During his 30 years on the job, he worked at most of the city's fire stations, was on most of the engines and was a trainer at the Fire Academy.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He really enjoyed traveling with his wife, Mary with whom he celebrated 70 years of marriage Nov. 2015. They traveled all over the US and Canada and to many foreign countries.

He was a devoted family man, devout Catholic, a member of St. Margaret's Church, an excellent senior 10 pin bowler, an avid reader and a Red Sox and Patriots fan.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Mary, who died 9 days before him; his son, Paul J. Murphy; his grandson, Sean Cullen and his brothers, Frank, William, George and Gerald.

Surviving family members include; two daughters, Pamela Murphy, Hampton Beach, NH, and Linda Murphy Luck and husband, Christopher, Whitefield, NH; and daughter-in-law, Anne (Malcolm) Murphy of Roberta, Nova Scotia, Canada; 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Paul and his wife, Mary, who died July 16, 2016, will be held at noon on Sept. 24th at St. Mary's Cemetery Chapel, 90 River Road, Tewksbury, MA.