Acton's Gerald Murphy: Pharmacist, Hockey Coach Dies at 78

• Subscribe to Acton Patch news alerts

Former Acton resident Gerald Murphy died March 6. He was 78.

He owned Paul Revere Pharmacy in Somerville and was a longtime youth hockey coach.

Here’s his obituary from Acton Funeral Home:

Gerald Murphy, Sr., 78, formerly of Somerville and Acton, MA, died Fri. March 6, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham after short period of declining health.

Raised in Somerville, he was the son of the late Daniel and Mary Murphy. Gerald met his wife, Carol Malcolm, while both were students at Somerville High School. They graduated together with the Class of 1955 and later married, settling in Somerville to raise their family. Mr. Murphy earned a bachelor’s degree from the Mass College Pharmacy and first worked with his brother, Paul, at his pharmacy, Apothecary Hall. He then he owned and operated his own business, Paul Revere Pharmacy in Somerville and later was employed by Phillips Drug in Boston until retiring. He loved all sports, and was a longtime former youth hockey coach in Somerville. He also enjoyed working in his vegetable garden. The Murphys moved to Acton where they resided for more than 20 years. The couple celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in July 2003, one month prior to Carol’s death that August. He was also the father of the late Joanne Murphy, and brother of the late James D. and Daniel F. Murphy.

He is survived by his children: Gerald Jr. and wife Jill of Brookline, NH, Thomas and wife Mercedes of Windham, NH, Robert and wife Camille of Winchester, Patrick and wife Susan of Hanover and Eileen Keefe and husband Shaun of Framingham; a brother Paul X. Murphy of Wakefield; 14 grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Family and friends are invited to the funeral Mass on Wed. March 11th at 10:30am in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 89 Arlington St., Acton, with burial following in Woodlawn Cemetery, Concord Rd., Acton Center. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial gifts to St. Patrick’s Manor, 863 Central St., Framingham, MA 01701.