Garrett J. Murphy, a retired Boston Firefighter and 57 year resident of Charlestown, died on Sunday March 22, 2009 at Aberjona Nursing Center in Winchester following an extended illness. He was 80 years old.
Garrett was born in Dorchester on December 13, 1928. He grew up in Dorchester where he attended St. Mark's Parochial School and graduated from Dorchester High School. He enlisted in the United States Army on August 20, 1946. He served his country during World War II and was discharged on December 9, 1947 with the rank of Private First Class. He was appointed to the Boston Fire Department on January 4, 1956. He worked on ladder companies # 9, # 8, # 24 and retired from the marine unit on December 31, 1993 after 37 years of service to the City of Boston. Garrett was very fond of the Salvation Army when they would volunteer their services, supplying food and beverages to the firemen during the many fires that were fought throughout the city while he was a firefighter. He also worked on the Boston waterfront as a longshoreman for several years. He enjoyed fishing and most of all was dedicated to his family, especially taking care of his wife.
Garrett is the beloved husband of 56 years to the late Elizabeth C. (McGeoghegan) Murphy. He is the devoted father of Christine Brems of Dracut, Eileen Murphy of Winthrop, Mary Capistran and her husband Joseph of Wakefield and Patrick Murphy and his wife May of Charlestown. He is the loving grandfather of Kristen and Steven V. Poole, Patrice and Kaitlyn Brems, Ashley, Mary-Frances and Garrett Murphy, Caroline and Colleen Capistran. He is the beloved brother of Walter Murphy of Belmont, Rosemarie Murphy and Beatrice Mellow both of Hull, Robert Murphy of Braintree, the late Francis X. Murphy, Adelaide Indresano and Doris Murphy.
Garrett's Funeral will be held on Friday March 27, 2009 at 9 a.m. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 55 Warren St. Charlestown at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours will be on Thursday March 26, 2009 from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make memorial donations in Garrett's name to The Salvation Army, 147 Berkley St. Boston, Mass. 02116.