Floyd E. Murphy, 81

Northborough - Floyd E. Murphy, 81, died peacefully at home Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007. He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley (Joyce) Murphy, who died in 1996.

He leaves his son, Gary Murphy; his daughters, Diane Szkutak and Patricia McIntosh; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his siblings, William Murphy, Robert Murphy, Daniel Murphy, Bruce Murphy, Gloria Hill, Adora Jeannotte and Fay Kelley; and nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Holden, the son of William and Adora (Svenson) Murphy, he was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, serving aboard the U.S.S. Hanson in the Pacific Theater.

Mr. Murphy graduated from the Fannie Farmer School of Cooking and worked alongside his family at the "Adora Restaurant" in Northborough. He worked for many years in the paper industry and, before retirement, worked for Zecco, Inc. for six years. Following his retirement, he was a bus driver for many years in Northborough, Westborough and Marlborough.

He was a 60-year member of the former Northborough Grange, past State Master for the Massachusetts State Grange and a member of the National Grange Assembly of Demeiter. He was also a member of the American Legion Post # 234 in Northborough. He was a volunteer fireman in Northborough for many years, working his way up to Deputy Chief. He drove Northborough's first ambulance and was a founding member of St. Bernadette's Parish in Northborough.

Mr. Murphy enjoyed vacationing in Dennisport and Naples, Fla. An avid "bad golfer," he enjoyed playing nine holes with his son, brothers and brothers-in-law. He loved baking, especially pies and cookies for his grandchildren. Family meant the world to him and he loved spending time with them.

A funeral mass was held Dec. 28 from Saint Bernadette's Parish in Northborough, with burial at Howard Street Cemetery. Hays Funeral Home of Northborough directed arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the UMass Memorial Foundation, 365 Plantation St., Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605 or to the charity of one's choice.