Obituary: John L. Brophy, Former Woburn Building Commissioner and Lifelong Resident

UPDATED: Complete Obituary from Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home.

John L. Brophy, former Woburn Building Commissioner and lifelong resident, passed away peacefully at the Aberjona Nursing Center, Friday, December 26th. The beloved husband of the late Mildred F.( Murphy) Brophy, he was ninety-five years of age.

Born in Woburn, he was one of three children born to the late Lawrence M. and Agnes (Gately) Brophy. Raised and educated here in Woburn, Mr. Brophy graduated from Woburn High School in 1937. During his tenure there he was quite an outstanding athlete all four years. Franklin Union College in Boston was his destination after High School. There he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry.

After High School John met a lovely young lady, “Millie” Murphy. They were actively involved in the Minstral Shows that were held every year at St. Charles and from there they courted, and later married in 1942. Later that year he entered the service and proudly served his Country during World War II in Guam.

John began working for General Electric in Lynn after college and then upon returning home from the service he secured a position at Monsanto for almost ten years. During this time he also worked construction and building homes on weekends. He liked it more than enough to begin a new career and start his own company, Brophy Construction. He built many new homes throughout the city, including his own!

In 1969 he was appointed by Mayor Gill to the position of Building Commissioner, which was a position he held until his retirement in 1985.

John’s greatest gift in life, though, was family. His dedication and love of family was unmatched by anything else in his life. Always celebrating achievements, awards, marriages, baptisms, communions and then grandchildren’s weddings, “Grampy” was right there for it all. Christmas and the holidays were also special times for the Brophy clan, always joining together for the festivities.

He and Millie had enjoyed many wonderful vacations, travelling to Ireland on several occasions and, for about ten years during the winter months, they would visit the sunny, warm climate of Florida, visiting friends and family throughout the state.

A very caring and compassionate man, John always felt that the Kiwanis Organization was a perfect fit for him. A lifetime member, John always participated in all the good deeds performed by his brother Kiwanis. Building camps, handicapped ramps, helping needy families, whatever the “project” was, John put his heart and soul into it. John always kept a trunk full of tools so that he was prepared to help out family and friends, and anyone in need, at any time!

A life of strong faith, family and a sincere respect for others has left a wonderful legacy of one fine gentleman.

John had also served on the Board of Health, as Past Grand Knight of the K of C, Council 77, and was also a member of the VFW#543.

John was predeceased sadly by his wife, Mildred “Millie;” his son-in-law, William “Bill” Donaghey; and his grandsons, Kevin James and Brian Patrick Fitzgerald.

He is lovingly survived by his children, Judith A. Donaghey of Woburn, Frederick W. Brophy and his wife Connie of NY, Patricia L. Fitzgerald and her husband Leo of Woburn, and Lawrence F. “Larry” Brophy and his wife Ruth of Middleton; his siblings, Rosemary Brophy of Woburn and William Brophy of FL; his ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; his niece, Susan Barrett and her husband Joe of W. Dennis; and his nephew, Mark Clark of Woburn.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a Funeral Mass in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn on Tuesday, December 30th at 11 a.m. Calling hours will be held in St. Charles Church from 9 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the Mass. Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Woburn. Remembrances may be made in John’s memory to Kiwanis International Foundation, 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Professional services are under the direction of the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home.