Frederick L. "Fred" Murtagh

Frederick L. "Fred" Murtagh, a beloved father, husband, partner, and dedicated public servant, passed away surrounded by his loving family, suddenly on July 15, 2025, at the age of 91. Fred was a lifelong resident of Peabody, born on October 10, 1933, to Bella and Michael J. Murtagh. Fred's journey through life was marked by his passion, selflessness, and a friendly demeanor that won him the hearts of many.
Fred was the devoted husband of the late Patricia "Pat" A. (Levesque) Murtagh. Their union in 1962 was blessed with four beautiful children: Daniel and his wife Barbara, along with their children Daniel, Capt. William Murtagh of the US Marines, and Elizabeth of New Fairfield, CT; Sharon and her husband Joseph, and their children James, Christopher, and David of Wakefield; Kevin and his wife Cindy of Andover, and their children Lauren and her husband Aidan, Caroline, Meaghan, and Alison; and Gary and his wife Jean and their children Henry, Liza, and Leah of Wilmington, NC. In addition to Pat and his parents, Fred was predeceased by his brothers Mike and John and his sister Mary Waselchuk.
Pat was the cornerstone of Fred's life, and he frequently acknowledged her as "the wind beneath my wings." Fred was quick to say that while he was trying to make a living, was involved in politics, and simply being "Fred" around the community, that Pat was the one who kept the family together, providing support to him and their children. Together, they raised a family of which they were immensely proud, not just for their successes but for the good-hearted individuals they became. Fred's pride extended to his thirteen grandchildren, and his new great grandson. He cherished every moment spent with them.
After Pat's passing in 2005 due to cancer, Fred found love again under the grace of God and shared 17 years with his long-time partner, Claire Sirois Foley of Peabody and Newburyport, along with her three children, Ken, Sue, and Ellen, their spouses, and her seven grandchildren. Claire sadly passed away on August 11, 2023.
In the months prior to his passing, Fred enjoyed spending time with his special friend Priscilla Jean of Peabody. They spent many afternoons laughing and enjoying their time together.
Fred often expressed his gratitude for having four remarkable, beautiful women in his life: wife Pat, daughter Sharon, and Claire, and Priscilla.
An alumnus of St. John's Grammar School in Peabody 1947 and St. John's Preparatory School of Danvers 1951, Fred's educational journey continued at Boston College. Despite the financial challenge after one semester, he persevered through Boston College's Night School in January 1952, graduating in 1956 with the honor of having John F. Kennedy as the commencement speaker. His education was complemented by his early work with the Boston Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Fred joined the National Guard in 1952 and later attended Fort Sill Officer Candidate School in Oklahoma where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1956.
Fred left the FBI in 1956. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Murtagh Insurance Agency with his brother Mike in Peabody Square. His career continued to flourish as he sold the insurance agency and became the Business Manager at Essex Agricultural and Technical Institute "Essex Aggie" in Hawthorne (Danvers, MA), serving for forty years and retiring as Treasurer in 2014. His dedication to public service was further exemplified when he was elected in 1962 to the Peabody City Council, serving 30 years over a 40 year span, retiring in 2007. Fred was also appointed in July 2013 to the Peabody Liquor Board Commission by Mayor Ted Bettencourt and later appointed to Chairman, and he continued to serve in that position until his death. During his tenures, Fred was proud to serve under five mayors, Ed Meaney, Nick Mavroules, Peter Torigian, Michael Bonfanti, and Ted Bettencourt, as well as interim Mayor Paul Barrett.
Fred's love for his hometown was deep and unwavering. He firmly believed in giving back to the community, helping countless individuals along the way. He often spoke of his parents' sacrifices to provide him and his siblings with a top-notch education and about the support he received from the citizens of Peabody. Fred felt it was his responsibility to help others, by helping people get a job, making phone calls on their behalf, providing references, or any support as needed for others.
In his passing, Fred leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and an enduring commitment to his family and community. His life's story is a testament to the power of hard work, devotion, and the joy found in helping others. Fred will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Family and friends will honor Fred's life by gathering at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home ~ North Shore Chapel, for a memorial visitation on Tuesday, July 29th from 9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. A prayer service will take place in our Chapel at 11:30 A.M. Services will conclude with Fred being inurned with his beloved wife Pat, at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Peabody. May they rest in peace.
In accordance with the family's wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Fred's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the St. John's Prep Alumni Association, 72 Spring Street, Danvers, MA 01923. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frederick "Fred", please visit our floral store.