John K.Murphy “Kevin”, age 77, of Wilmington, passed away unexpectedly on July 14, 2019, at the Winchester Hospital.

John was born on January 28, 1942, in Cambridge, MA; he was the dear son of the late John and Gertrude Murphy. John lived in Cambridge as a young boy before moving to Arlington where he was raised and educated. John was a graduate of Arlington Vocational High School.

Following graduation, John, enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. In August of 1960 his military journey began; John was sent for training at Ft. Dix in New Jersey before heading overseas to Germany. John earned several commendations including the Good Conduct Medal, the Marksman (Rifle M-14) and the Motor Vehicle Driver Badge. He was honorably discharged from active duty in July of 1963 and went on to serve in the U. S. Army Reserves until August of 1966.

In May of 1968, John, married his “sweetheart” and best friend Madeline Merrill; the couple moved to Wilmington in 1972 where they raised three wonderful children Gail, John and Stacie. John was a very devoted husband and father who worked hard to provide for his family. When John became a “Grampy” to Molly, Bridget, J.P., William and Ryan his world became even brighter; he just adored his grandchildren and looked forward to spending time with them.

John was a long-haul trucker for many years before he retired and a proud member of the Teamsters Local 25 in Charlestown. John enjoyed traveling the country, meeting new people, and finding new places to eat. He was a “food enthusiast” who always knew the best restaurants and diners but some of his favorite were the Maine Diner, the Old Salt and the Pushcart.

In his spare time, John liked to work on cars, watch his reality t.v. programs, caught up on current events on Fox News and headed out every morning to Dunkin Donuts for his cup of coffee, butternut donut and to socialize with his friends.

John will be fondly remembered for his love of family and friends; he enjoyed teaching others everything he knew about driving, he gave great directions, and of course tell others about good restaurants that he found throughout the years. John was always out and about in the community and he would go out of his way to do anything for anyone. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

John was the beloved husband of 51 years to Madeline M. (Merrill) Murphy, devoted father of Gail O’Shea & husband William of Wilmington, John Murphy & wife Lynne of Tewksbury and Stacie Murphy of Wilmington. Loving “Grampy” of Molly, Bridget, J. P., William and Ryan. Dear son of the late John J. and Gertrude M. (Lynch) Murphy, brother of the late Paul Murphy & his wife Joan Murphy of Acton. John is also survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and close friends.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Saturday, July 20th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Dorothy’s Church, Main St. (Rte. 38), Wilmington at 11:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday, July 19th from 4:00-8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to Local Heroes, P. O. Box 536, Wilmington, MA 01887 or to the Red Sox Foundation/Home Base Program, 4 Jersey St., Boston, MA 02215.