Donald J. Murray, Q.P.D., Ret., age 80
of Hingham
Donald J. Murray, Q.P.D., Ret., age 80
of Hingham
Donald J. Murray, Quincy Police Department, Retired, age 80, of Hingham, died peacefully, Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, surrounded by his loving family.
Don was born in Boston, to the late Joseph A. and Elizabeth A. (Gillis) Murray. Raised and educated in Hyde Park, he was a graduate of Hyde Park High School, Class of 1963. He later earned an Associate degree from Northeastern University.
He lived in Hingham for twenty-five years and previously in Braintree. Don was also a winter resident of Naples, Florida for many years.
Don was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam conflict, having served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. He received the Bronze Star Medal w/V device, two Purple Heart Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Rifle Marksman Badge.
Don was proud to be a member of the Quincy Police Department. He was appointed to the department on January 12, 1970 and retired on March 6, 2000, after thirty years of service.
Don served as a volunteer at Father Bill’s Place and the former Long Island Shelter.
Beloved husband of fifty-six years to Donna M. (Boyle) Murray, whom he loved dearly and with whom he enjoyed many beautiful trips over the years.
Devoted father of Kristine M. Lydon, Detective, Braintree Police Department and her husband Sean M. Lydon, Lieutenant, Braintree Police Department of Braintree, and Julieann Flynn of Quincy.
Loving grandfather of Kyleigh E. Lydon, Samantha R. Lydon, Sean M. Lydon, Jr., and Patrick D. Flynn and his fiancée Allison Stimpson.
Cherished great grandfather of Connor and Braelyn.
Dear brother of Jane Fitzgerald and her husband Edward of Middleborough, the late Charles Murray and his surviving wife Carol of Hingham.
Brother-in-law of John J. Boyle III and his wife Cary, Martin F. Boyle and his wife Kelly, Gerard F. Boyle and his wife Donna, and Clare Scarpaci and her husband Frank.
Don is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Don’s heart was fullest when he was with his family. He not only cherished every moment together, but found deep joy in encouraging their dreams and celebrating their accomplishments.
Don will be remembered for his incredible kindness, and his willingness to always be there to help family, friends, and strangers. Don had a deep faith in God and a strong love for his Country. Throughout his later years Don became the unofficial spokesman for Starbucks. He will be deeply missed by so many.
Visiting Hours will be held at the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy, on Sunday, July 27, from 2 – 5 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Saint Francis of Assisi Church, 856 Washington Street, Braintree, on Monday, July 28, at 11 a.m. Interment, with military honors, to follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, at 1:45 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, and due to floral restrictions at the cemetery, donations in Don’s memory may be made to the Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Foundation Fund, c/o The Cape Cod Foundation, 261 Whites Path, Unit 2, South Yarmouth, MA 02664 or the New England Center and Home for Veterans, Advancement Office, 17 Court Street, P.O. Box 845257, Boston, MA 02284-5257 or www.nechv.org.
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