Canton Obituaries

The following are recent obituarties for Canton.

James P. Whelan Sr.

James P. Whelan, Sr. of Canton passed away at the Golden Living Center in Norwood Aug. 22. Born the youngest of 13 children in Cambridge, Mr. Whelan was educated at St. Mary’s Elementary School and the Rindge and Latin High School in Cambridge.

Mr. Whelan enlisted in the Infantry Division of the United States Army and served with distinction in World War II in the European Theater. Mr. Whelan received ribbons from the battles of Normandy, Northern France, the Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland and Central Europe.

Upon return from the war, Mr. Whelan was the sales manager for a floor covering business and later operated his own carpeting business for twenty-seven years until his retirement.

A lifelong enthusiast of all things sporting, he particularly enjoyed golfing on Cape Cod where he and his wife Mary have a summer cottage. Mr. Whelan was a former Fourth Degree and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus in Canton and served in a volunteer capacity to the veterans at the VA Hospital in Brockton, as well as the greeter in Canton Town Hall, for many years.

Beloved husband for 64 years of Mary (Ford). Father of James P. Jr. and his wife Holly of N. Marshfield and Brian J. and his wife Mary Kay of Canton. He was also survived by two grandsons, Benjamin and Tyler and two granddaughters, Brianna and Michelle. He was pre-deceased by 12 brothers and sisters.

Arrangments were handled by at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. Canton. The Funeral mass was at St. John the Evangelist Church Canton and burial was at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Canton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Canton Veteran’s Service Department 801 Washington St. Canton, MA 02021 or to the Alzheimer’s Assn 311 Arsenal St. Watertown, MA 02472.

Francis Anthony Murphy

Francis Anthony Murphy, a United States Navy Veteran, and 25 year resident of Stoughton, formerly of Canton and Jamaica Plain passed away at home peacefully under the care of his wife, Judith, and family on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. He was 72 years old.

He is survived by his wife Judith A. ( McCarron ) four loving children, Francis S. Murphy of Brockton, Kimberly A. Murphy of Stoughton, Jennifer L. Curtis of Canton and Joseph M. Murphy also of Stoughton. Other survivors include his sister, Grace M. O’Connor, and her husband, Thomas, of Franklin and eight grandchildren.

Born on Oct. 17, 1939 in Boston, he was the only son of the late Francis T. and Josephine L. (Danca) Murphy. He attended Boston Public Schools. Mr. Murphy enlisted and served his country proudly from 1956–1962 and earned the rank of E-3 with the United States Navy.

Mr. Murphy was employed as a salesman in the home improvement industry for over 45 years. He was able to remain very passionate about his salesmanship skills throughout his entire working career. He took great pride in the elements and challenge of the “Sale.”

Mr. Murphy was a hardworking, generous, devoted husband, father , grandfather, uncle and brother. He enjoyed trips to Las Vegas with his wife and family vacations with his children. He was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. His hobbies included horse racing and a good game of poker.

His funeral will be held Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.. from the Sheehan, Lowe & Powers Funeral Home, 115 Monk St., Stoughton. Followed by a mass of Christian Burial for the repose of his soul at 10:30 A.M. in the Immaculate Conception Church, 122 Canton St., Stoughton. Burial with military honors will follow at the Massachusetts Veteran’s National Cemetery in Bourne.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday Aug. 28, from 4-8 p.m. in the Sheehan, Lowe & Powers Funeral Home, 115 Monk St., Stoughton. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers and due to floral restrictions at the cemetery, donations can be made in Mr. Murphy’s memory to the Town of Stoughton, Veteran’s Services Office, C/O Mr. Michael Pazyra, Veteran’s Agent, 10 Pearl Street, Stoughton,MA 02072.