John Murphy, 95, was born in Melrose, Mass., to the late Joseph Patrick and Mary Eunice Divver Murphy. He was predeceased by his wife, Alice McKinney Murphy, sister-in-law, Sheila McKinney Woods and his brothers Robert and Joseph, his sisters Barbara Ryan and Katharine Mollins.

In addition to his wife of 64 years, John leaves his sons, Robert W., John E. Jr. (Sharyn), and Joseph P. (Carmen) and daughters, Linda Large (Mike) and Patty Bridge (Lorin), his grandchildren Patrick Large (Lisa), Erin Kleinfelt (Michael), Lorin Bridge Jr. (Heather), Meryl Exley (Ryan), John Murphy III, Lisa LaVenture (Eric), Alex Large (Samantha), Mallory Murphy, Keegan Murphy, Jonathan Fonseca; and his 12 great-grandchildren.

John graduated from Melrose High School in Massachusetts. He served in the Navy on the U.S.S. Franklin during its restoration years, then worked at McKesson and Robbins in Boston, where he met the love of his life, Alice.

He moved his young family, including his teenage sister- in-law, to Wilmington, Mass., where he was an active member of his community and church for many years. John was known for his incredible work ethic, and was remarkably successful in life insurance sales. He learned everything he could about the families he served, even helping those that only he knew their struggles.

John was a community servant, as demonstrated by his commitment and leadership as president of the Lions Club. When anyone needed a hand, John was there to lend his support and help in any way possible. He joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary with his best friend, Frankie Griffin, and together their love of boating took them on many nautical adventures.

In later years, the family relocated to Clearwater, Fla., where John was an “explorer of the South” in his position as a Home Office Inspector for John Hancock, and then director of the Department of Special Activities.

John loved nature, and was an environmentalist before his time. He had a passion for cleaning up the outdoors, especially during his summers on Long Lake in Maine, where he always enjoyed the company his many New England friends. No stick in the woods was safe when John was around!

John’s love of traveling the world was shared by his wife, especially to their homeland of Ireland where they never met a stranger.

Visitation begins at 9 a.m. followed by Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, 2405 Philippe Pkwy., Safety Harbor, FL 34695. Share memories, Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater, Fla. www.dignitymemorial.com or view Guest Book www. tampabay.com/obits