Daniel E. “Ed” Murphy, Sr.
Loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, 98
Daniel E. “Ed” Murphy, Sr., 98, of Framingham, formerly of Lowell, died Tuesday, November 17th at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham. He was the beloved husband of the late Alice (McOsker) (Dolan) Murphy and the late Claire (Heafy) Murphy. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, August 31, 1917, a son of the late Patrick Joseph and the late Catherine (Riordan) Murphy, he attended Lowell schools and was a graduate of Keith Academy where he was also Class Valedictorian. A veteran of WW II, Dan proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and saw action in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, a Bronze Star Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. While in the army, he proudly held the title of Heavyweight Boxing Champion at Ft. McLellan in Alabama. Before retiring, Dan was employed as a Letter Carrier for the United States Post Office in the Highlands Section of Lowell for over 43 years. He was the oldest living member of the USPS Union in the entire United States. Among his many interests, Dan was an avid reader and enjoyed bowling and softball. He was a huge New England sports fan whether it was professional or college. He also loved all things Irish and traveling to Ireland. He was a member of Catholic Charities, the Sacred Heart Men’s Club, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and was a proud usher at the former Sacred Heart Church in Lowell. Dan is survived by two daughters Maryjane Mitchell and her husband Brian of Boston, MA and Nancy O’Connell and her husband Jack of Worcester, MA; a son Daniel E. Murphy, Jr. and his wife Gail of Westford, MA; five stepdaughters Mary Regan and her husband Joe of Lowell, MA, Ann Kerr and her husband Bob of Littleton, CO, Ellen Stokinger and her husband Chuck of Hudson, NH, and Kathy Whitney and her husband Gerry and Peggy Kane and her husband Jim all of Lowell; three stepsons Jim Dolan and his wife Sharon, Tom Dolan and his wife Kathy and Jack Dolan and his wife Karen all of Lowell, MA; thirty grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; a sister Margaret “Peggy” Lally of Lowell, MA; and many nieces and nephews. He was also father of the late John “Jack” Murphy, grandfather of the late John Murphy, Jr. and Erin Murphy, and brother of the late Dennis “Joe” Murphy, H. Alice Warrington, Catherine “Kay” Coleman and John Murphy.
Friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 9:30 to 11 A.M. Saturday. His Funeral Mass will follow at ST. MICHAEL CHURCH in Lowell at 11:30 o’clock. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 701 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01854. Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F. O’Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768.
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