John W. Murtagh

SALEM – Mr. John W. Murtagh, 90, of Salem died December 17, 2020 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital following a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Doris M. (Henderson) Murtagh with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.  

Born and raised in Salem, he was the son of the late Dennis P and Winifred A. (Harte) Murtagh. He was a lifelong Salem resident and was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Lynn.

John was a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he proudly served from 1948-1954. Following his discharge from the service, he began his career with the New England Telephone Company where he remained for over 30 years.

Fondly known to many as Jack, he was an active member of St. James Parish in Salem, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector and volunteering with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Beano. He was an Honorary Life member of the Salem Lodge of Elks #799, serving as past Exalted Ruler and Secretary, as well as a past District Deputy. He was also a member of the Peabody Lodge of Elks #1409.

Jack is survived by three sons, Dennis & his wife, Kathy of Salem, John & his wife, Debbie of Peabody, Thomas & his wife, Chrissy of Salem, his sister, Sr. Elizabeth T.  Murtagh, SND; five grandchildren, Meghan, Dennis & his wife, Melissa, Thomas “TJ”, Caitlyn, Cody and great-grandson, William P. Murtagh.

He was predeceased in death by his brothers, Thomas and James Murtagh and sister, Aileen Murphy.

ARRANGEMENTS: At the request of the family all services are private.  Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations- Funerals -Celebrations, 84 Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970. Expressions of sympathy may be made in John’s memory to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 158 Federal St., Salem, MA 01970. We encourage you to share your memories by visiting his eternal tribute at www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

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