Gregory R. Murphy

Gregory R. Murphy, 63, of Lunenburg, MA passed away at home on September 26th after a long, courageous struggle with cancer. His family was by his side. He is survived by his partner in love and life, Sue Paradis and their combined family of five children: Laurie (Murphy) Hirsch, Jennifer (Murphy) Fisher, Gregory Murphy, Kevin Paradis and Kayla Paradis; nine grandchildren: Avery, Ash and Nick Hirsch, Caden, Jaxon and Cara Fisher, Mia and Lily Murphy and Dax Paradis; siblings: Karen (Bill) Condon of Denville NJ, Maggie Murphy (Allan) of Shelburne MA, David Murphy of Marlborough, MA, Paul (Debbie) Murphy of Franklin MA and several much-loved nieces, nephews and cousins Greg was preceded in death by his parents, David and Marie Murphy of Franklin, MA, brother Stephen Murphy and niece, Kristin Forget. Greg grew up in Franklin, MA, the youngest of 6 children, with strong family values. His tremendous love for his children and grandchildren was ever-present and always the brightest part of his day. Some of his most cherished moments were the times spent enjoying their smiles & laughter in the backyard together, and the photos and videos of activities sent to “GrampaGreg”. One of his fondest childhood memories was of riding down his grandfather’s fire road on a homemade trailer with his siblings cutting Christmas trees to be sold in the family’s front yard. He graduated from Franklin High School 1978 and went on to earn his Master Electrician’s License. His phenomenal drive and old-school work ethic followed him through life, always juggling his careers of Building Manager and Electrician along with his own landscaping and snowplowing businesses. Greg truly loved all of his work. Greg & Sue made their home in Lunenburg, MA, always surrounded by family, friends and neighbors ~ enjoying hockey and football games, concerts, cookouts, backyard fires, or exploring restaurants. Greg had a special place in his heart for the Island of Barbados where he & Sue spent several vacations making lifelong friends. Greg’s enthusiasm for motorcycle riding was an important part of his life, whether a solo local ride, participating in fundraising event, weekend away, or just a day trip with friends – Greg loved his bikes, loud pipes and scenic winding roads. His diagnosis of cancer was devasting, but Greg did not allow it to define him. He courageously looked it in the eye and, with the help of an amazing medical team found the strength to find normality and something good in each day. Through 16 months of tests, treatments and trying times he remained determined and optimistic that he would beat the disease. His kindness, generosity and caring nature were a force of their own. Acutely aware of those around him, Greg’s radar was always ‘on’ with his sincere “pay it forward” spirit, always making time to help friends, family, neighbors (or a stranger) in need. Greg’s quick smile, generosity, wit and sincerity ~ as well as his amazing hugs ~ are what his family would like carried on for him and to be his legacy. Classic “Murphisms” include spontaneous gestures of dropping off coffee, muffins or pizza to local small businesses he frequented to show his appreciation for their work. Friends and neighbors would open their door to find a bag with a dozen ears of fresh corn or package of freeze-pops on the doorstep. Restaurant staff would find a lottery ticket folded in with the tip. Greg & Sue enjoyed “dates” of a random ride to bring an ice cream or soup to family or friends who needed a smile. When they traveled, they enjoyed remaining invisible while finding a way for a service person in uniform to enjoy a coffee or lunch “on the house”. Calling hours will be held in the Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Rd., Ayer, on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 2:00 - 5:00pm. Words of remembrance will be held at 4:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please keep Greg’s spirit alive by sharing “Murphisms” with acts of kindness and generosity in his memory. His special respect and honor for veterans can be carried forward with a donation to help sponsor a Service Dog for Veterans through Clear Path https://clearpathnewengland.formstack.com/forms/sponsor_a_dog or NEADS https://support.neads.org/give/218255/#!/donation/checkout?designation=76928 His deep appreciation for the outstanding medical care provided by the entire Oncology team can be supported via the Pan-Mass Challenge “Bikers Dozen” team, which includes his Medical Oncologist Dr. Jon Dubois https://profile.pmc.org/JD0288

Tributes

Gregory R. Murphy

February 8, 1960 - September 26, 2023