February 18, 2013
Murray, John F.
John Francis Murray, a lifelong resident of Westwood, died Monday, February 18th, 2013 at his home in Westwood after a long illness. He was 68. John was born December 9, 1944 in Boston, Massachusetts, one of the five children of George Edward and Anna Gertrude (McElaney) Murray. He grew up in Westwood and attended Westwood High School. John enlisted in the US Navy in October of 1962 and served until April 1970 on the USS Aeolus and the USS Mauna Loa. John returned to Westwood and worked for 25 years as a custodian in the Westwood Public School system, toiling at the High School,the Middle School and the Sheehan School until his retirement in November 2002. It was during his time at the Middle School that he met his future wife when she was playing volleyball in an adult recreation program and he was working in the gym area. On October 25, 1980 John married Judith Ann “Jodi” Folsom. After his retirement from the school system, John, who was never one to sit still embarked on several different “careers”. John worked partime as a plumber’s assistant for the William Jacobs Plumbing Company. In the winter he plowed snow, first for Tri-L Company of Westwood, and later on his own; and the rest of the year he mowed lawns for several individuals and for the First Baptist Church of Westwood. Jodi and John also provided the custodial services for the First Baptist Church. When not working, John enjoyed riding his motorcycle, a Harley, and camping with his family in their motorhome. They travelled cross country twice, and made yearly trips to Walt Disney World in Florida, and made regular trips to North Carolina to visit family. John also loved reading, was a military history buff, and enjoyed music, especially Glenn Miller. He was also a member of Celestial Lodge AF & AM of Westwood. John is survived by his wife of 32 years, Judith Ann (Folsom) Murray; his two daughters, Christine Lynn “Chrissie” Murray, and Caitlin Elizabeth “Katy” Murray, both of Westwood; his sister, Judith Marie “Judy” Gilmetti, of Summerville, South Carolina; his two brothers, Patrick Edward Murray of Sandwich, and George Thomas Murray of Naples, Florida; and many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held Thursday February 21st from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street, Westwood. John’s funeral will be held Friday, February 22nd at 10 AM at the First Baptist Church of Westwood, 808 High Street, Westwood followed by burial with military honors in New Westwood Cemetery, Westwood. Donations in John’s memory to the Vernon Cancer Center (where John received excellent care), 2014 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02462 would be appreciated.
Comments(18)
Uncle John will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. We will cherish all the wonderful memories and think of him often. Our next trip to Disney will be in his
honor.
So greatful to have had last Thanksgiving with Uncle John and family… the stories and laughter that day, as in many others past, will remain in my heart.
My prayers and love go out to Aunt Jodi, Chrissie & Katy. Uncle John was a wonderful and fun loving uncle, who will be missed forever. Love always, Laura
Remembering John’s infectious laugh, his loyal friendship, and generous spirit. Grateful for the times we shared. So many memories…. Our hearts go out to Jodi, Chrissie and Katy, and to the rest of his family during this difficult time.
Will always remember the good times and great laughs 🙂 so happy to have spend time with him this past October in Disney! You will be forever missed Uncle John! xoxox
Love and Hugs to Aunt Jodi, Chrissie & Katy
Jodi, Chrissie and Katy – my sincere condolences and thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
We have many wonderful memories of John going all the way back to high school. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jodi, Chrissie, and Katy.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Murray Family. Chrissy and Katy were lucky to have a wonderful and loving father. May your memories of Walt Disney, Camping and road trips forever make you smile. Rest in Peace
Sending my condolences. Will always remember John’s kindness and his great laugh. My prayers are with Jodi, Chrissie and Katy during this time.
Special thoughts, memories and prayers are with you, Jodi, and with Chrissie and Katy. This is a very sad time for your family. John’s devotion to you was true and unwavering. Will always remember his hearty laugh and red hair. Rest peacefully, John.
Love and special hugs, Linda and Bob
Jodi and all the family, please feel our love, caring and prayers at this painful time. We will miss John’s presence always. We hold you all up for strenght and peace.
The Deacon Board
First Baptist Church, Westwood
I loved to swap motorcycle stores with my “biker boy”. He was truly a great father, husband and friend. Rest in peace, love and light John. Jodi, Chrissie and Katy, may all your happy memories help ease this very sad time.
Love, Donna
I will always remember both John’s humor and the great laugh that went with it
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your girls Jodi – they had one awesome Dad and you, an incredible husband
Love
Mooch
Dear Jodi, Chrissie and Katy,
We are so sorry for your loss of John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Marge and Jim and Family
So sorry for your loss Jodi. My prayers are with you and your girls.
To our “gang” he was Murra. I can’t think of him without smiling. He always had the best laugh and always made me smile. Rest well my friend, you will be missed.
Although I haven’t seen John since the 70’s I remember him very fondly in friendship. We enjoyed many happy times together “way back when” in the 60’s and 70’s. I think his most outstanding features were his friendliness and his laugh which was often heard…( I can still “hear” it now ). Rest in peace my friend. My prayers are with you and your family. I’m sure we will all see you again one day in a better place … Gene “Gino” Hayward
Sorry to learn of the death of my cousin, “Johnny”. My condolences to you Jodi and to your family.