John F. Murray

John Francis Murray, a lifelong resident of Westwood, died Monday, February 18th, 2013 at his home in Westwood after a long illness.  He was 68.  John was born December 9, 1944 in Boston, Massachusetts, one of the five children of George Edward and Anna Gertrude (McElaney) Murray. He grew up in Westwood and attended Westwood High School.  John enlisted in the US Navy in October of 1962 and served until April 1970 on the USS Aeolus and the USS Mauna Loa.  John returned to Westwood and worked for 25 years as a custodian in the Westwood Public School system, toiling at the High School,the Middle School and the Sheehan School until his retirement in November 2002.  It was during his time at the Middle School that he met his future wife when she was playing volleyball in an adult recreation program and he was working in the gym area.  On October 25, 1980 John married Judith Ann “Jodi” Folsom.  After his retirement from the school system, John, who was never one to sit still embarked on several different “careers”.  John worked partime as a plumber’s assistant for the William Jacobs Plumbing Company.  In the winter he plowed snow, first for Tri-L Company of Westwood, and later on his own; and the rest of the year he mowed lawns for several individuals and for the First Baptist Church of Westwood.  Jodi and John also provided the custodial services for the First Baptist Church.  When not working, John enjoyed riding his motorcycle, a Harley, and camping with his family in their motorhome.  They travelled cross country twice, and made yearly trips to Walt Disney World in Florida, and made regular trips to North Carolina to visit family.  John also loved reading, was a military history buff, and enjoyed music, especially Glenn Miller.  He was also a member of Celestial Lodge AF & AM of Westwood.  John is survived by his wife of 32 years, Judith Ann  (Folsom) Murray; his two daughters, Christine Lynn “Chrissie” Murray, and Caitlin Elizabeth “Katy” Murray, both of Westwood; his sister, Judith Marie “Judy” Gilmetti, of Summerville, South Carolina; his two brothers, Patrick Edward Murray of Sandwich, and George Thomas Murray of Naples, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.  Visiting hours will be held Thursday February 21st from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street, Westwood.  John’s funeral will be held Friday, February 22nd at 10 AM at the First Baptist Church of Westwood, 808 High Street, Westwood followed by burial with military honors in New Westwood Cemetery, Westwood.  Donations in John’s memory to the Vernon Cancer Center (where John received excellent care), 2014 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02462 would be appreciated.