John D. Murphy

MURPHY, John D. "Jake", 80, on June 13, 2010, of Walpole, MA, Pocasset, MA, and Naples, FL. Cherished husband, father, brother, grandfather, classmate, citizen, philanthropist and friend to all who knew him. Born March 29, 1930, Jake spent most of his life and career in Walpole, MA. Jake's passion for kindness and practical simplicity was rooted in his humble beginnings. He was the middle child of longtime millworker at Bird and Son, Inc. of East Walpole: William F. Murphy and Mary (O'Donnell).

Jake was a gifted athlete, who learned to skate on frozen ponds and was an alumnus of Walpole High School, Class of 1947. His athletic talents earned him a scholarship to Mount Saint Charles Academy in Woonsocket, RI and subsequently to Brown University, graduating in 1952. Jake's hockey acclaim extended to his election to the Walpole High School Hall of Fame and to the Brown University Athletic Hall of Fame for the team's only goal scored in the 1951 NCAA Hockey Championship game.

After graduating from college, Jake married his high school sweetheart, Geraldine Slattery, in 1953, and began a fledgling real estate career in Walpole. By 1955, he had built his first Walpole home and founded John D. Murphy Real Estate, his legacy currently operated by his son, Donnell. Jake's strong work ethic fueled his success into building several hundred homes, apartments, and commercial real estate properties throughout Walpole, including the operation of the Mug-n-Muffin Restaurant, a downtown landmark for many years.

Jake's desire to share his hard earned success and give back to the community extended throughout his life. His donations and sponsorships were countless, including many anonymous gifts to local charities and organizations. Jake gave his time, business acumen and experience to the Walpole School Committee, Finance Committee, Economic Development and Permanent Building Committees; he was a board member and trustee of the Benjamin Franklin Savings bank for over 30 years.

Jake was the consummate Irishman; a twinkle in his eye, a touch of unpolished blarney, charm and a generosity that inspired all who knew him. He cherished several trips to Ireland with friends and family. Jake was proud of his co-founding and support of the Friends of St. Patrick. This Walpole based, non-profit charitable giving organization captures the good will and cheer of the Irish with a fundraising dinner and recognition of notable Walpole contributors to the community. Jake was honored as Person of the Year by Walpole's Friends of Christopher Columbus and the Walpole Council On Aging as well.

Later in life, Jake spent his summers at his cape home in Pocasset, MA; sharing stories and laughter on his cherished front lawn with many friends and family. He also frequented Naples, FL in the winter months.

Survived by his wife, Geraldine Slattery, of 56 years; one sister, Maureen and husband Gregory Carter of Dover, MA , sister-in-law Joan Murphy of Wilmington, DE, one daughter, Susanne Murphy and husband Brian Fiske of Walpole; three sons, John Jr, and wife Marianne, Donnell and wife Stacy, Douglas and wife Beth, as well as 11 grandchildren, all of Walpole. Jake was pre-deceased by his brother, William Murphy, Jr. of Wilmington, DE.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, June 17th at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Walpole, MA. Visiting hours are Wednesday, June 16th from 4:00 a'" 8:00 p.m. at the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jake's memory may be made to the Friends of Walpole's Council on Aging, P.O. Box 186, Walpole, MA 02081.