1932 - 2015
No Vistitation Date Scheduled
No Funeral Date Scheduled
William J. Murphy, III (Bill), a long-time resident of Salem, most recently residing at Bayberry at Emerald Court in Tewksbury, died on Tuesday, January 20 at Lowell General Hospital, with his family by his side. Beloved husband of Doris (Chagnon) Murphy for nearly 60 years, and the son of William and Katherine (Danehy) Murphy, Bill was raised in West Medford, graduated from Medford High School in the class of 1950, and attended Northeastern University. He served proudly in the US Army during the Korean War, at Herzo Base in Germany, from 1952-54.
Following his military service, Bill married Doris in May of 1955, and started their family in Doris’s hometown of Salem. Bill worked for AT&T/New England Telephone & Telegraph in Lynn for over 30 years. Later in his career, he ran his own installation and repair business, Patriot Telephone of Salem.
Bill was active in the community throughout his lifetime, and a member of many service organizations including the AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Franco-American Club and Knights of Columbus. A past president of the Danvers Fish and Game Club, he was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and a passionate defender of our 2nd amendment rights. Bill enjoyed target shooting and deer hunting, and journeyed to Montana to hunt big game.
Bill always had a taste for travel and adventure, which he instilled in his children. Many summers were spent trailering with his family across the US and Canada. Bill and Doris also enjoyed some far-flung adventures, including Western Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, China and Hong Kong. Closer to home, Bill would happily play volunteer Santa Claus for anyone who asked, bringing joy to countless kids. He was one of the good ones, and will be missed….
He is survived by his wife Doris, sister Ann Murphy Springer of Bodega, CA, children Jim Murphy (Angela) of Parker, CO, Mike Murphy (Kathy) of Westford, MA and Alice-ann Burge (Paul) of San Diego, CA, and seven grandchildren (William, Julianna, Christine, Daniel and Carolyn Murphy, and Georgia and Elena Burge). Donations can be made to Gun Owners’ Action League (www.goal.org) or the charity of your choice.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex Street, North Chelmsford beginning at 9AM, followed by a funeral service at 10AM. Burial immediately following at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford, MA.
Cathie
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Mike and family,
So very sorry for the loss of your Dad…
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cathie
Joy & Ross Weiler
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Rest in peace Mr. Murphy. Your family will miss you.
Joy, Ross, & Kate Weiler
Gail Warner
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My condolences to all of you. Uncle Bill will be missed. Love you!
Tom Lynch
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I’ve known Bill Murphy for over 40 years, and he was one of the finest men I have ever known.He was a wonderful friend and one of the nicest people you would ever find.Beyond being a friend, I was always struck by what a great family man and a father he was,and what really nice kids he raised.My deepest condolences to Doris and Jim,Mike,Aliceann and all his grandchildren.I will miss him greatly.
Timothy, Marian & Paul
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To the Murphy family:
Our thoughts, prayers and remembrances are with you.
Timothy, Marianne and Paul