John J. Murphy of Brighton, Retired Lieutenant in the Massachusetts State Police, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2014. He was 88 years old.
Dear and devoted husband for 55 years of Nancy H. Murphy. Son of the late James and Margaret (Sullivan) Murphy. Survived by several nieces and nephews & 3 grand-nieces and nephews.
John was born and raised in Cambridge, graduated Cambridge High & Latin School, and entered the US Navy in 1943. He served during WWII, based in London, England Strategic Command Headquarters and Cornwall, Falmouth England on D-Day. Honorably discharged in 1946, he went on to graduate from the former Burdett College in Boston and then the MA State Police Academy in 1948. He served on the State Police into the 1970’s, retiring as a Lieutenant. John then served as the head of security for State Street Bank in Boston. He attained Fourth Degree status in the Knights of Columbus, was a Life Member of the Navy League of the United States, Past President of the Boston Council of the Navy League, and a 50-year parishioner of St. Ignatius of Loyola in Chestnut Hill. John and Nancy were the first husband and wife Eucharistic Ministers in the parish.
His family would like to thank all those who cared for him in recent years.
John's Funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday April 15, 2014 at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church. John was laid to rest in the Berkshires.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to St. Ignatius of Loyola Senior Outreach 28 Commonwealth Ave. Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.