John Murdock

John F. Murdock, 93

Worcester - John F. Murdock Sr., 93, of Worcester, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 7, in his home surrounded by his devoted family.

His beloved wife, Helen (Ferris) Murdock, predeceased him in 1984.

John leaves four sons, John F. Murdock and his wife Donna of Oxford, Richard Murdock of Leicester, Garry Murdock of Grafton, and Kevin Murdock of Worcester; four daughters, Patricia Rice and her husband Robert of Worcester, Linda O'Malley of Worcester, Christine Longvall and her husband Craig of Boylston, and Marjorie Chase and her husband Richard of Thompson, Conn.; ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces; two brothers, William Murdock and Richard Murdock, both of Worcester, and a sister Shirley LeBlond of Santa Rosa, Calif.

A brother, Robert Murdock, and a sister, Lorraine St. George, predeceased him.

He was born in Worcester, son of John and Hannah (Hassett) Murdock and has lived here all of his life. He graduated from St. Stephen's High School and New England School of Accounting.

He was a Navy Veteran of World War II, serving in an armed guard unit in the south Atlantic, the Aleutian Islands, and Asiatic-Pacific Theatres of War as a Signalman Second Class Petty Officer from 1942 to 1945. Two years later, he was called up for the Korean War. He received the World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

Mr. Murdock was a supervisor in the Property Department of the Massachusetts Division of Employment Security in Boston retiring in 1987.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, American Legion Post 319, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3657, U.S. Naval Memorial Foundation, World War II Memorial, Women's World War II Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and the Retired State County and Municipal Employees Association.

John loved spending time on the Cape. He enjoyed golfing, gardening, and also returned to ballroom dancing in his 60s and continued until just a few years ago.

John's life centered around his family, heritage and faith. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends as well as the excitement of a Red Sox or Patriots game.

The funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, January 13, at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove St., Worcester. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, is directing arrangements.