Obituary of John Murtha

There are no words that can truly express the profound loss of our beloved husband and father, John. He passed away peacefully with his wife and two daughters by his side at the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH) on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at the age of 64. 

John was the devoted husband of Maria (née Adamo), who had a loving 28-year marriage. The two shared a love of travel, food, going for walks, Scrabble, and crosswords. John was the loving and proud father of Joanna and Angela, who both absolutely adored and looked up to him.

John is predeceased by his parents, Fergus and Lena Murtha. He will be greatly missed by his mother-in-law Teresa Adamo (late Arturo). He is the loving brother of Kathy (late John), Phil (Diane), Patricia Harrison (Ed), and Colleen Fraser (Mike). Cherished uncle to Naythan (Michelle), Christopher, Collin, and great-nephew, Owyn. He will be remembered by his brothers-in-law David and Mark Adamo. John will also be remembered by his many good friends and extended family members across Canada and Ireland.

John was born and grew up in Lindsay, Ontario, where he formed countless friendships that he maintained throughout his life. He shared a special bond with Guy Skipworth, having been friends for 60 years. A special thank you to all the guys in the Scugog Poker crew for their lifelong friendships. 

John was a proud and committed radio broadcaster. He spent most of his 35-year career in Sault Ste. Marie, where his memorable voice was a distinct presence over the airwaves. John was passionate about local news and reporting. Throughout his career, he had the opportunity to interview local officials, Premiers, Prime Ministers, and Olympians.

John had a great love and passion for sports—whether it was playing, watching, or coaching. He played hockey since the age of five, as well as participating in soccer and baseball. In the last couple of years, he developed a love for pickleball and the local community of players. John even continued to play during his treatment. John was a devoted Toronto Maple Leaf, Blue Jays, and Raptors fan. He had hoped to one day see the Leafs win another Stanley Cup. John was a dedicated youth soccer coach for both of his daughters and loved practicing with them in the backyard.

John also had a passion for music. He loved spending countless hours practicing new songs on the piano and guitar. We will miss hearing him fill our home with his wonderful singing voice. He introduced his love of music to his daughters and accompanied them to their violin and piano lessons. John’s rendition of “American Pie” will be sorely missed at our family gatherings.

John will be remembered as a caring, selfless, fun-loving man who always put others ahead of himself. He was passionate about making a difference in his local community. He volunteered his time to help with the local Terry Fox Run, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the Salvation Army Food Bank. He demonstrated what it meant to be a kind and compassionate person in his quiet and humble manner.

John was fortunate to have an amazing team of healthcare professionals throughout his battle with cancer. Our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Tian Xiao, Dr. Michela Febbraro, Dr. Andrew Pearce, and all of the nurses and staff at the Cancer Clinic. We would like to express our sincerest thanks to John’s Bayshore Home Care nurse, Lisa, for her care and kindness. We would also like to thank Dr. Kuntz, Dr. Buehner, Dr. White, Dr. Curran, Dr. Masters, and Dr. Wolf for their exceptional care. To the nurses and staff on 3B at the Sault Area Hospital, thank you for the excellent care, especially PSW Amy—your kindness will always be remembered. To the staff at ARCH, our family will be forever grateful for your care and compassion in John’s final week of life.

Throughout John’s battle with cancer, he always kept a positive outlook and love for life. He maintained courage and resilience throughout his treatment, while continuing to care and put others before himself. John will continue to inspire us and hold a special place in all of our hearts.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758) on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service in the Chapel at 12:00 noon. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum.

John was incredibly passionate about raising awareness and fundraising for cancer. Donations in John’s memory can be made to the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH), the Sault Area Hospital Cancer Care Fund or Tracy’s Dream—a local organization that helped John and other cancer patients by providing hospital parking passes while they undergo their treatment.