Leon J. Murphy
20 Year U.S. Navy Veteran
TEWKSBURY: Leon Joseph Murphy, age 88, a resident of Tewksbury for 50 years, passed away at the Lawrence General Hospital on Monday, February 2, 2015.
He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth M. (Parry) Murphy, with whom he would have celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on April 20, 2015.
Born in Boston on January 1, 1927, he was the son of the late Joseph and Georgianna (Stewart) Murphy. He was raised in the Allston and Brighton areas of Boston and attended St. Anthony School in Brighton.
Leon served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years and saw active duty during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
He was awarded several decorations for his military service including the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory, Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and four Good Conduct Medals.
Prior to his retirement in 1987, he was employed for over 20 years as a Letter Carrier by the U.S. Postal Service in Waltham.
He was a member of the Tewksbury-Wilmington Elks Lodge # 2070 and the Lexington V.F.W.
Leon enjoyed time with his family, vegetable gardening and fishing.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, John J. Murphy and his wife Allison of Townsend, Andrew Murphy and his wife Theresa of Derry, NH and Bonnie E. Sughrue and her husband Kenny of Acton, ME; three grandchildren, Shannon, Matthew and Joe Murphy; one sister, Frances Gould of Medway; also many nieces and nephews.
He was pre-deceased by his sister, Milie, and twin sisters, June and Jean.
Calling hours are Friday, Feb. 6, from 4-8 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. His funeral will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, at 9 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Dorothy's Church, Main St., Rte. 38, Wilmington. Interment at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.