Obituary of John E. Murtagh

John E. Murtagh, Sr. PEABODY – John E. Murtagh, Sr., 85, beloved husband of Anita (Levesque) Murtagh, died peacefully on Saturday December 17, 2016 at the Masconomet Regional Health and Skilled Nursing Facility in Topsfield, following an extended illness, while in the comforting presence of his family. Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late Michael and Bella (Lobao) Murtagh. He grew up there where he lived for most of his life, lived in Rowley for nearly 10 years, and for the past year in Beverly. He graduated from St. John’s Preparatory High School in Danvers, Class of 1950, then graduated from Boston College to fulfill a “Double Eagle” in education. He later earned a Masters Degree from Salem State University. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Mr. Murtagh started his teaching career at the Keefe School, and utltimately served the City of Peabody as Principal at the Burke Elementary School, and the initial Principal at the Higgins Middle School, until retiring in 1994. John was an excellent athlete, and excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He was inducted into the St. John’s Prep Hall of Fame in 2000. He was also recognized for his educational contributions to the City of Peabody, and was awarded the George Peabody Education Foundation Legacy Award in 2013. He enjoyed many travel excursions far and wide, playing golf in retirement, and was an avid fan of his daughter Cheryl’s coaching career in field hockey at Northeastern University. He was most passionate and dedicated to his family, and especially spending time with his three grandsons. He is survived by his wife Anita (Levesque) Murtagh of Beverly; a son and daughter, Cheryl Murtagh and her longtime friend Terry Condon, and John Murtagh, Jr. and his wife Christine all of Rowley; three grandchildren, Brian of New York City, Chris of Boston, and Tim Murtagh of Somerville; a brother Fred Murtagh of Peabody; a sister Mary Waselchuk and her husband John of Peabody and Middleton, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death, besides his parents, by a brother Michael Murtagh. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Friday December 23, 2016 at 8:30 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:30 AM in St. John the Baptist Church, Peabody. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 – 7 P.M. in the funeral home. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Memorial donations may be made to the George Peabody Educational Foundation, P.O. BOX 233, Peabody, MA 01960.