Bernard J. Murphy

Bernard John Henry Murphy 90, passed away at home on Thursday October 4th. He is predeceased by his wife of 44 years Geraldine (Gannon) Murphy, who died May 6TH, 1999. He leaves behind two daughters Christine Murphy-Cross and Mary Grover both of Worcester, two sons Joseph Murphy and his wife Bonnie of Hopedale, and James Murphy and his wife Jane of Holden. He is survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well, as many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind sisters Maureen Stacey of Millbury and Joyce Murphy of Worcester. He is predeceased by his brother Joseph Murphy of Shrewsbury, sister's Ellen Courville of Worcester and Carol Ann Ford of Auburn, MA. A veteran of WWII, he served from 1940-1946 in the pacific theater on the USS Maryland during the attack on Pearl Harbor and later on the USS Seminole. After the war he worked as a deep-sea diver off the coast of Catalina Island diving for abalone as well as entertaining tourists as they watched from the glass bottom boat. Returning home, he worked for New England Power Co. before joining the Worcester Fire Department where he retired in 1988 after 29 years on Rescue 1. Barney was a member of the Knights of Columbus Alhambra 88 Council of Massachusetts and St Bernards Parish, and the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Always eager to learn, he loved history and telling stories. He labeled and dated everything with his beloved stencil pencil earning the nickname "Magic Marker Murphy". He enjoyed photography, trips to Spags, McDonald's apple pies and sending out birthday cards. He never complained and always stayed positive. He made friends wherever he went and reminded them to "keep a song in your heart and a dollar in your pocket." Bernard's funeral will be held Tuesday October 9, from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME &CHAPEL 370 Plantation St. with a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00AM in the Church of the IMACULATE CONCEPTION 353 GROVE ST. Calling hours in the funeral home are from 4PM to7PM on Monday October 8. Interment will be with his wife in St. John's Cemetery.Please omit flowers and make contributions to a charity of choice. (mercadantefuneral.com)