John Joseph Murphy

OAKLAND – John Joseph Murphy, 78, passed away on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, with his two adoring daughters by his side.

John was born in Newark, N.J. on Feb. 11, 1947, to Joseph and Elizabeth Murphy. He grew up in River Edge, N.J. where he attended RiverDell High School and graduated in the class of 1964. It was in New Jersey where he met his wife of 52 years, Maureen.

Growing up, John was a curious child, always wanting to know how things worked. In his youth, his interests included reading, fishing, building most anything, and playing with the neighborhood kids. His curiosity, coupled with his love for automobiles, led him to pursue a lifelong and successful career in the automobile industry. John earned many awards including the title of Ford Senior Master Technician. He took immense pride in his work, having many customers who would only allow him to work on their vehicles.

After getting married, John and Maureen moved to Maine where he was hired as a technician at Pullen Ford. The Pullen’s quickly became family, and he was proudly employed at the dealership for over 40 years. In his retirement, John enjoyed spending extra time pursuing his hobby of target shooting. He was an active member of The Capital City Rifle and Pistol Club and Friends of the NRA. There he met many friends as they shared their passion in the sport of target shooting. John enjoyed drag racing, ’60s rock music, traveling, feeding family and friends, being the family historian, solving any problem presented to him, and was a devoted caregiver to his wife.

John’s greatest pride was in his family. He and Maureen raised two loving daughters, Amy Cone (Will) and Bridget McHale (Rick). He also had four adoring grandsons, Tyler and Josh Cone and Ben and Ryan McHale. They counted on their Grandpa as someone who could fix anything, build anything and knew EVERYTHING. They always looked forward to their visits with him, knowing it would include good food and conversation. John was known for being a true and loyal friend. He still kept in touch with friends from his childhood and through the years built strong friendships that became more like family. His friends always knew they could count on him, and over the years, he also counted on them.

John was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Murphy, his in-laws, Joseph and Veronica Connors; nephew, Kevin Murphy and his loving wife, Maureen, who he recently lost and missed dearly.

In addition to his children and grandchildren, John is also survived by his brother, Bob Murphy (Peg), brother-in-law, Mike Connors (Sandra), brother-in-law Kevin Connors (Fay); and his nephew, Chris Murphy, who filled the role as the son he never had. He is also survived by several special nieces and nephews, who he enjoyed connecting with on family vacations and close friends, who have added to his adventures in life.

Visitation will take place at Veilleux Funeral Home on Saturday March 14, at 1 p.m. with a celebration of life at 2 p.m. A reception will follow, at a location TBA.

Services are under the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to

Oakland Fire Fighters Association

P.O. BOX 187

Oakland, ME 04963

or to the

Capital City Junior Rifle Club

attention Julian Beal

33 Pinewood Drive

Belgrade, ME 04917