John J Murphy

John “Jack” Murphy, age 89 ½, departed his life on Earth to join the love of his life Joyce, who passed away on August 5, 2024. Jack passed peacefully at Premier Rehab & Healthcare, Nashua, NH, on March 24, 2025, following a 7-month decline in health. He was born in Lowell, MA to the late James A. Murphy and Gertrude (Burke) Murphy and grew up in the Sacred Heart Parish on Otis Street. He was an altar boy and attended Sacred Heart School graduating in 1949. Jack met Joyce Mello at Lowell High School and they graduated with the class of 1953. They shared a wonderful 72 years of love and happiness, residing in Chelmsford, Beverly, Laconia and Tyngsboro, MA.

Jack and Joyce married on May 18, 1957, and were blessed with 3 children, Sharon (Mark) Selfridge, Gayle Irwin and Brian (Catherine) Murphy. His pride and joy were his 7 grandchildren, Scott and Jenna Selfridge, Jessica Junget, Alan Irwin, Tatum, Bridget and Kahlen Murphy; 2 great grandchildren Ayden Irwin and Juliette Junget, as well as 2 great grand dogs, Niko and Roo. He was a kind and gentle Grampy to all of them.

Jack was the youngest of 3 siblings, who predeceased him, James (Eleanor) Murphy and Mary Kenny, RN. He is survived by sisters-in-law, Donna (Don) Drew, Cynthia (Bobby) Martin, Nancy (Roger) Mello and Veronica (Ronnie) Mello, along with many nieces and nephews who lovingly called him “Uncle Hey You”.

Jack was proud of his Irish heritage and cherished celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. He was a devoted Red Sox and Patriots fan. He touched the lives of so many people with his positive attitude, kindness and love. He would do anything to help a friend or family and made lifelong friendships, especially his wonderful friends, Shirley (Duncan) Lombard, Jean Gallagher, Betty McNamara, Sylvia and Dick Allard.

Jack was a career engineer at Raytheon Company at the Lowell, Sudbury and Waltham plants. He took pride in his accomplishments working on the Apollo Space Program’s Guidance System that landed men on the moon in July 1969. He took early retirement at age 56, bought a motor home and he and Joyce became winter snowbirds in Naples, FL for many years. They spent summers at Adams Campground in Seabrook NH enjoying their retirement years on the beach.

Our family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the amazing nursing staff at Premier Rehab & Healthcare for providing him with excellent care during the last 7 months of his life, especially his “Angels” Nayeli LPN & Jennifer RN, Unit Manager Kathy RN and Jeanne Parnell PA. The last 2 weeks of his life he received hospice care from Lily Care who were amazing – Lisa RN, Jess LPN, Jordan LPN, Kaylee LPN and Director Nicole RN. We are so grateful for their compassionate loving care in the last days of his life.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in May for both Jack and Joyce to honor them as they rest in eternal peace together in Heaven.