Obituary of John "Jack" Murphy

John E. "Jack" Murphy, 91, of Burlington, MA, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday evening, December 12, 2024. Born in Arlington, Jack was one of six children to John P. and Gertrude Murphy. He grew up in North Cambridge  In 1955, he married his beloved wife, Jane, and together they settled in Burlington in 1958, where they raised their three sons.

Jack founded J.E. Contracting, starting with a landscaping business that eventually grew into a full-service construction company specializing in heavy equipment, commercial, and residential projects. Over the years, he built a reputation for hard work and integrity. Jack was never afraid to roll up his sleeves, often grabbing a shovel or jumping into a ditch to get the job done. His three sons had the privilege of working alongside him, learning not only the trades but also the values of pride in one’s work, running a business, and the importance of honesty and honor. A man of his word, Jack stood by his commitments, believing that integrity defined a person.

Jack was deeply devoted to his family. He and Jane shared 49 years of marriage before her passing in 2004. They owned a home on the water in West Yarmouth for 33 years, which became the gathering place for family events. There, they enjoyed boating, beach outings, and precious time together. Jack took great joy in seeing two of his sons carry on his business and was always available to offer advice and support. Whether it was carpentry projects around his home or tinkering in the garage, Jack found fulfillment in hands-on work. He was an avid Boston sports fan, particularly football, and loved watching games with his sons or discussing them over the phone.

Although Jack faced health challenges starting in his 50s, he remained in the home he cherished, with the support of his sons. It wasn’t uncommon for passersby to see him in his lawn chair, holding court with longtime friends in or just outside his garage.

A man of remarkable independence and responsibility, Jack was a steadfast friend, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, and all who knew him will deeply miss his presence.

Jack was the beloved husband of Jane Marie (Phinney) Murphy who passed away in 2004.  He was the proud father of Thomas Murphy & his wife Robin of Wareham, Mark Murphy of Burlington, and the late John “Kevin” Murphy and his surviving wife Lynne of Wilmington.  He was the proud grandfather of Meaghan West & her husband Daniel of Billerica, Julie Murphy of Wilmington, Tom “TJ” Murphy, & his wife Sarah of Rochester, and Shawn Murphy & his wife Chloe of Saco, Maine. He was the great-grandfather of Jackson Murphy, Max West, Desmond West, and Nora West.  He was predeceased by his siblings Russ Murphy, Jim Murphy, Claire Murphy, Gertrude DeWolfe, and Mary Murphy.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Tuesday, December 17 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and will end with a service at the funeral home beginning at 6:30 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.  Memorials in Jack’s name may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation New England,  www.epilepsynewengland.org, 175 Cabot St Suite 301, Lowell, MA 01854. For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net