John D. Dunphy

Shrewsbury - John Dunphy had a larger-than-life presence. He was a big man with a huge heart. With his bright blue eyes and funny, light-hearted demeanor, he made many friends…many a friendship for life. He had a quick wit and contagious laugh. John was the guy who could walk into any place, sit between two strangers, and become instant friends. More important were his close friends who shared an unwavering loyalty. They are a tight-knit group of lifelong friends anchored by his brothers Tom and Mike. They celebrated the good times together. If anyone ever needed anything, John was the first one to drop everything to help a friend in need. Most importantly was the love of his life, his rock, his wife Anne. 

Life’s pleasures came in the form of countless rounds of golf with his close-knit group of friends. He had just returned from a much-anticipated golf outing vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He had called Anne on Friday saying how excited he was and that he had just had the best round of his life. John and Anne played as members at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in Boylston. He was also an accomplished cook who could create a delicious meal from an interesting combination of ingredients. He refused to follow a recipe. He was always starting projects around the home, always adding a new power tool to his collection. He thought the accompanying owner’s manuals would make good kindling for a fire. Bafflingly he loved both Star Trek and Star Wars. For many years he enjoyed boating on the “Annie D.” 

John enjoyed coaching basketball with his brother, Mike, at City View School in Worcester, MA. He earned the Thomas Jefferson award for volunteerism, which he was very proud of. He made a huge impact on the lives of so many kids. 

John loved animals and they had a bond with him. They seemed to share a kindred spirit. He and his beloved cat Lord Vader had a special nighttime ritual involving a pop-pop treat at bedtime. Mr. Palmer was always quietly in the background. 

John D. Dunphy was born in Worcester, MA on July 2, 1967, son of Edward J. and Sally A. (Higgins) Dunphy. He graduated from Burncoat High School and later earned his Bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University. As a young guy he was an enthusiastic sportsman with a competitive nature. He played softball, tennis, basketball and skied. 

He worked in the insurance industry. John was working as a property field adjuster for Crawford & Company based in Waltham, MA. Previously, he worked for LaMarche Associates in Palmer, MA and Independent Claims Service in Westborough, MA.

John died unexpectedly on Tuesday July 16, 2024 after being stricken ill at home. He was 57 years old. 

In addition to his wife of 28 years, Anne (Sullivan) Dunphy, he leaves his parents, Edward and Sally Dunphy of Dennis Port, MA; his brothers, Thomas E. Dunphy and Michael J. Dunphy, both of Worcester, MA; his mother-in-law, Beverly A. (Cote) Sullivan of Shrewsbury, MA; his brothers-in-law, Henry A. Sullivan (Cheryl) of Northville, Michigan and James L. Sullivan of Beverly Hills, California; an uncle, two nephews, one niece and their families; many cousins and a host of good friends. 

John was predeceased by his sister, Maureen E. Dunphy in 2019 and his father-in-law, Henry A. Sullivan in 2017.

Family and friends will honor and remember John’s life by gathering for visitation on Friday, July 26th in Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main Street, SHREWSBURY, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by his funeral Mass celebrated at 11:00 a.m. A Life Celebration will follow at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, 284 E. Temple Street, Boylston. 

 Expressions of sympathy may be made to Second Chance Animal Services Adoption Center, 111 Young Rd, East Brookfield, MA 01515 or www.secondchanceanimals.org.

Arrangements by James & John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.