Joseph A. Murphy, 89, a Lawrence resident, he was the son of the late Michael J. and Mary E. (Donahue) Murphy. He was a graduate of the former St. Laurence Grammar School and Central Catholic High School and was a veteran of the US. Air Force during World War II with service in the Pacific Theater.
He later attended McIntosh Business School and also was a graduate of Boston University. He joined the Eagle-Tribune as a news reporter and later became a member of the sports staff where he served as a sportswriter and later sports editor.
He also was a member of the sportswriters Baseball Association of America having covered the Red Sox for 25 years. He also covered the Boston Celtics for 20 years.
He is survived by a son, Joseph Jr.
He is predeceased by four sisters, Sister Frances Michael, O.P., of the order of St. Dominic of Caldwell, N.J. Rita Kiely, Kathleen Phillips and Claire Menapace.
In addition to his son, he is survived by two grandsons, Joseph III and Michael.
At the request of the family, there will be no calling hours.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Lucy's Church in Methuen, MA. on Wednesday, September 24th, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., in the church he attended. Burial will be in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Lawrence, MA.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105-1942.
Arrangements are under the direction of the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. For online condolences and other information please visit us at www.breenfuneralhome.com.