John J. Murphy Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

John Joseph ‘Jack’ Murphy Jr. died on September 13, 2002 of a heart-attack at the age of seventy-four. Jack was survived by his loyal wife of 47 years, Frances (Longo) Murphy of Wakefield. They were the parents of Paul J. Murphy, John J. ‘Jay’ Murphy III, Christopher J. Murphy, and Shauna (Murphy) Keon.

Jack graduated from Medford High School in 1946, where he was named an All-Scholastic football player, playing alongside his brother Richard who was also a standout on the team. A newspaper writer, commenting on Jack’s particularly ferocious play as a defensive middle-guard, referred to him as a real “Tiger” and he carried that nickname throughout his lifetime.

Jack attended New Hampton Preparatory School before attending Holy Cross College in Worcester, MA, also with his brother Dick. Jack was an outstanding football player under legendary coach Dr. Eddie Anderson; being named a team captain during his senior year. Before his graduation in 1953, Jack’s college career was interrupted by two terms of service in the United States Marine Corps. While based in Quantico, VA, Jack once again played alongside his beloved brother on the Marine Corp. football team. Jack also participated as a heavyweight boxer in the Golden Gloves competition. He was a member of the Holy Cross Varsity Club and volunteered as a class-agent for many years. This fund has a preference for students attending the College of the Holy Cross.

Jack moved to Wakefield, MA upon his marriage to Frances in 1955 and lived there until his death. He was employed for over 35 years as a major-account sales representative for the Avery Label Company and was an award-winning top salesman. Jack was also very active politically, serving as a senior aide to former Massachusetts Governor John A. Volpe. He was also elected to several terms as a member of the Wakefield Board of Selectmen, serving as their Chairman during part of his tenure.

Jack was an avid boatman and, for thirty years, kept a boat at the Cape Ann Marina in Gloucester, MA. From 1985 on, Jack was the captain of his pride and joy, Tiger’s Tale, a 46’ Post sport-fisherman, and competed in many Giant Bluefin Tuna tournaments throughout the New England area. As a big-game fisherman, he was an active member of Safari Club International.

This devoted family man’s most outstanding attribute was his bigger-than-life personality. Jack’s warm congeniality and fantastic sense of humor were a genuine part of his persona and he always seemed to have a big smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. A captivating public speaker and outstanding storyteller, Jack was often asked to emcee major events, serve as master of ceremonies or deliver tributes, speeches and eulogies. His sudden loss left a huge hole in the lives of everyone he touched.