Joseph J.  Murphy, Jr. – 82, of Dover, NH, and North Reading, MA passed away at the Cedar Health Center in Portsmouth, NH on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Born in Stoneham, MA on January 8, 1944, he was the son of the late Joseph J. and Alberta C. (Dodge) Murphy.

Joe grew up on Martin’s Pond and was proud of his North Reading roots. He graduated from North Reading High School in 1963 and played on the early Hornet football teams. After high school he served in the Army National Guard.

Joe was never afraid of learning new skills or exploring different challenges or work. He owned and operated Maria’s Sub Shop and Pizzeria in North Reading in the late 1960s. Maria’s was famous for its excellent Italian food – not bad for an Irishman!

As a general contractor, he built several homes in the North Shore area.

In the 1970’s, as a Federal officer, Joe was tasked with guarding Judge W. Arthur Garrity during the contentious Boston desegregation “busing” crisis. He continued his federal employment at the less volatile Boston Coast Guard base where he was able to utilize his carpentry skills and construction knowledge.  When he retired, Joe was a Base Operations Manager.

Joe believed in giving back to the community. He served on the North Reading Planning Board of Appeals. After retirement, as a resident of Port St. Lucie, FL, he volunteered for the Florida Ombudsman program where he advocated for residents of nursing care facilities.

Joe loved woodworking, Jazz, and old horror and science fiction movies. He was a big fan of the Patriots, but a bigger fan of his own children and grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his sons Shaun M. Murphy (Sarah) and Joseph C. Murphy of Kingston, NH. He leaves behind grandchildren Benjamin, Shaun, Sophia, Alison, and Zachary, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins, near and far. He is also survived by his former spouse Cynthia (Wedge) Murphy, brother Kevin Murphy (Linda) of Andover, and life-long friend, Stephen Eramo. He was predeceased by his sister, Nancy Murphy Townsend, who passed away in 2015.

There will be no service or calling hours. Memorial donations may be made in Joe’s memory to Cornerstone VNA, 178 Farmington Road, Rochester, NH 03867 (https://cornerstonevna.org).