Joseph F. Murphy

October 11, 1941 - February 28, 2025

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Obituary for Joseph F. Murphy

Joseph F. Murphy, age 83, a lifelong resident of Milton, passed away surrounded by his loving family on February 28, 2025. Joseph was born in Boston and was the son of the late Mary (Gaffney) and Francis A. Murphy. He is survived by his best friend, soulmate, and loving wife of 58 years, Anne (Swett) Murphy.

Even though Joe and Anne lived around the corner from each other for many years, they did not connect until they were in their twenties and were inseparable for the next 60 years. Joe spent many hours driving the Maine Turnpike while Anne was in college. They married in 1966 and bought a house in Miltonโ€™s Cunningham Park area, which they renovated together.

Joe was a member of the Class of 1959 at Archbishop Williams High School and graduated from Coyne Electrical School of Boston. He continued his education in the IBEW Electrical Apprenticeship Program. He was a proud member of IBEW Local 103 for 61 years, working as an electrician, foreman, and estimator. Joe remained active in the Local 103 Retirees Club and was Treasurer for many years.

He was a Milton Town Meeting Member since 1980 and served at the Milton Housing Authority for over thirty years. He was also a Precinct 8 Election Warden. Additionally, he was a member of the Milton School Building Committee, where he spent ten years working on the first school building project that renovated all of the townโ€™s schools during the 2000โ€™s.

In July 2013, Joe and Anne moved to their residence at Home Inc., where he was a member of the Finance Committee, the Board of Directors, and served as Home Inc.โ€™s Treasurer. The Murphys also coordinated the monthly coffees for the residents. He loved living at Home Inc. and especially enjoyed walking and socializing with his many friends and neighbors. He took great pleasure in his monthly breakfasts with his Breakfast Club group.

His hobbies included reading, traveling, spending time with his friends in the Florida Keys and Jupiter, Florida, gardening, working on home projects, and countless hours doing jigsaw puzzles. He cherished the 54 summers the Murphyโ€™s spent at their summer home on Lucas Pond in Northwood, New Hampshire, where they enjoyed swimming, boating, and simply sitting on the deck overlooking the water with friends and neighbors, listening to the sounds of nature, especially the loons. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family and friends, especially as โ€œPapaโ€ to his cherished grandchildren, AJ and Cate.

In addition to his wife, Anne, he is survived by his beloved son, Stephen A. Murphy, his wife, Suzanne McNitt of Milton, and his two grandchildren, Alan (AJ) and Catherine (Cate) Murphy. He was predeceased by his son, Jeffrey D. Murphy. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Barbara Oโ€™Connor (Kevin) of North Falmouth and Janet Bejtlich (Michael) of Rochester. Joseph was the brother-in-law of the late David Swett. He is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews: Meghan Castaneda, Jessica Oโ€™Connor, Ian Swett, Benjamin Swett, Mathew Bejtlich, and Emily Bejtlich.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of the Visitation Parish, Saint Elizabeth Church, 350 Reedsdale Road, Milton, Thursday March 6 at 10:00 am. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Wednesday 4-8 PM. Interment Milton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Josephโ€™s memory to the Jeffrey D. Murphy Memorial Scholarship, 43 Orchard Road, Milton, MA 02186.

Services

5 Mar

Visiting Hours

04:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - EAST MILTON SQUARE 460 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions ยป
6 Mar

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Our Lady of the Visitation Parish (Saint Elizabeth Church) 350 Reedsdale Road Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions ยป
6 Mar

Interment

11:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Milton Cemetery 211 Centre Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions ยป
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • March 16, 2025

    David DelConte

    The last time I saw Mr. Murphy was in 2002 when we were on the same team in the Cunningham Men's Bowling league ๐ŸŽณ. I remember him well. A great guy!!!

  • March 02, 2025

    Richard Cadigan

    Joe, you fought a long and courageous battle. Rest in peace knowing you left us many fond memories to remember you by. We will keep you in our hearts , minds and prayers. Rich Cadigan

  • March 02, 2025

    Richard Ennis

    Steve - I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. My condolences to you and your family! I never got to spend much time with him over the years but I enjoyed the times that we did. May he rest in peace while your family share all the wonderful memories together! Rich Ennis

  • March 02, 2025

    Bob Kelly and Kathleen Tyrell

    May Joe rest in peace. God will be good to him. Joe was one of the finest men in Milton. Bob Kelly and Kathleen Tyrell

  • March 02, 2025

    Alice Mercer

    Dear Anne and Family ... I was so sad when I heard of Joe's passing. He was a wonderful man and I was looking forward to walking with him and Lila in the spring when we were able to! Now we will do our walk sometime in Heaven !!! Rest in Peace, Joe !!!

  • March 02, 2025

    Michael Feehily

    Ann, Janet and I send our sincere condolences on Joe's passing. A nicer man we have not met. May you take solace in you wonderful memories.. God Bless Mike Feehily