After over 60 years in business, T.F. Murphy Florist will be calling it quits. — Photo by Donald Norton

By Donald Norton

Another long time family-owned business in the city is closing its doors. T.F. Murphy Florist of 346 Highland Avenue was started in August 1953, when they opened their doors at Willow & Highland Ave. Their last day in business will be April 26.

The shop was started after Tom Murphy Sr. came home from the Korean War, and it has since grown into a Somerville.

Current operator Tom Murphy Jr. is now retiring. “It’s a hard business every day of the week and it’s just become so hard to do, and with a lot health issues with family members it was just time to decide to retire,” Murphy said. “It’s been a great business and we will miss our loyal customers who kept us going over the years. This city was great to our family. It was a hard decision but it’s best to move on.”

The Murphy’s have become an institution here in Somerville, creating many wonderful memories for people having their weddings and special occasions done by the family business.

A long line of florists have closed over the years in the city. Tom Murphy Sr. started out in the business working for Joe Howard, the florist on Broadway who closed many years ago. Another long time florist here in the city was Griffin the Florist, who also closed many years ago. Murphy’s has now joined the other old Somerville family-run florist businesses that have decided to retire.