Murtagh to retire as Aggie treasurer

PEABODY – “We?re not going to be able to replace him, but someone will have to follow in his foot steps,” said Essex Agricultural and Technical High School Superintendent Roger Bourgeois. The man he spoke so highly of is Frederick Murtagh, who recently announced that he will be retiring as Treasurer as of Dec. 31, 2007.?You just can?t replace (38) years of dedicated service and knowledge,” said Bourgeois, who has only worked with Murtagh for the past six months. “I?m only getting a snapshot of how incredibly valuable he?s been just in the short time I?ve been here transitioning into this role. I can appreciate how important he?s been over the years.”Murtagh, who also announced earlier this year that he?ll be hanging up his hat as Councilor at Large for the city of Peabody, is looking forward to his retirement.?I?m looking forward to not having to juggle my visiting times for (my family) around my work schedule and City Council meetings,” Murtagh said, regarding his 13 grandchildren, all under age 12, spread throughout North Carolina, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.?I?ve had a good run (on the Council),” he said. “It?s time for new blood to come in, and I suppose the same for the school.”Murtagh first began his career with Essex Aggie in 1968 as the Business Manager. He was appointed treasurer about seven years ago.?I think turning age 74 makes you think everything is timeliness,” said Murtagh, who lost his wife, Pat, two years ago. “It?s almost like the good Lord destined me to work for a couple more years so I wouldn?t be home and moaning.”But, Murtagh said it?s time for him to go, and he?s happy to be leaving while he?s healthy.?It?s a wonderful school with great faculty and staff,” he said, offering this bit of advice for his replacement. “Try to be fair. The idea is never to think that you should do anything else, but help them serve their mission to take care of the kids. When a student comes in and needs change for a dollar or a five, you know, do it for them.”