John J. "Jocko" "Mutt" Murphy passed away at the Bear Hill Nursing Center in Wakefield, on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at the age of 92. John was born in Melrose on May 31, 1918 to the late Michael & Mary (Twomey) Murphy. He was raised in Melrose and has been a lifelong resident of Melrose. Mutt graduated from St. Mary's Grammar School and Melrose High School, Class of 1936. Mr. Murphy joined the US Army on May 31, 1942 and was discharged on July 16, 1945. He served in the Philippines for 3 years during WWII and received a Bronze Star for his dedicated service to his country. Jocko once told the story of how he was walking down a road in the Philippines when he saw another gentleman from Melrose, riding in a jeep, that person was the future Mayor of Melrose, James Milano. After his discharge from the US Army, John got a job with the City of Melrose in the parks department and worked as the greens keeper at Mount Hood Golf Course for over 20 years. During the winter months he would run the rope tow for the skiers and flood & plow the 1st pond for skating. Mutt was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Church where he served as an usher for many years, a member of the Knights of Columbus in Melrose for over 50 years and a member of the VFW Harold O' Young Post # 2394. Mr. Murphy was a walking Melrose historian who could be seen everyday downtown doing his shopping or stopping off for a "cup of Joe" at Dunkin Donuts. John was a huge Boston sports fan, was an avid reader, loved to travel and liked his trips to Saratoga & Foxwoods. John was the brother of the late Helen Murphy & Timothy Murphy. Uncle of Thomas Kelly, Linda & Larry Donaghey, Peter & Denise Kelly, Karen & Frank Raffa, Edward & Sandra Kelly and the late Richard Petrillo. Also survived by numerous, grand nieces, nephews & friends. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Monday, Dec. 27th at 9AM. A Funeral Mass in celebration of John's life will be held at St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose, at 10AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visitation Sunday from 2:00-6:00PM. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church, 46 Myrtle St., Melrose, 02176.