GILFORD --- John “Jack” Murphy, 68, of Gilford, died suddenly at home on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, following a period of declining health.
Born in Winchester, Massachusetts, to the late Laurence and Jean Murphy, Jack was raised in Melrose, Massachusetts, alongside his three brothers. He attended Melrose High School, where he was a goalie for the hockey team. It was during these years that he met the love of his life, Kimberly Weldon.
In his younger years, Jack could often be found on Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, enjoying a variety of sailboats, windsurfers, and ice boats. Jack and Kim were married in 1983 and spent many years operating their seafood restaurant, Skipper’s Choice, in Dracut. They welcomed their son, John, in 1987, and their daughter, Chelsee, in 1990.
In 1995, Jack and Kim moved to New Hampshire, where they raised their children surrounded by the lakes and mountains they both loved. Jack later became a Corrections Officer for the State of New Hampshire, a career he maintained until his retirement in 2017.
In his retirement, Jack embraced the things that brought him the most joy. He spent his days boating and snowboarding, attending classic rock shows with Kim, cheering on the Patriots and Bruins, and, perhaps most of all, talking the ears off of friends—old and new. Jack had a gift for conversation and never seemed to run out of stories to tell; he had an unforgettable personality and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Jack is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kimberly Murphy; his son, John (Ashlyn), of Nottingham, NH, and their daughters Hayden and Nora; and his daughter, Chelsee (Carleigh), of Gilford, NH. He also leaves his brothers, Kenneth (Lynne) and Alan; his sisters-in-law, Gail and Carolyn (Ken); many nieces and nephews; lifelong friends; and his beloved dog, Hooper.
In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by his brother, Scott (Christina); his parents-in-law, Earl and Jean Weldon; and his brother-in-law, Gary.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Jack’s life on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Lakeport Opera House, 781 Union Avenue, Laconia.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made to the New Hampshire Humane Society, PO Box 572, Laconia, NH 03247, in honor of Jack’s lifelong love of the many dogs who shared his life (Skipper, Captain, Murphy, Maggie, Lexi, Hooper, and Larry).
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.