William J. Murphy

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Braintree High School University of Massachusetts

William Murphy Obituary

Sandwich William J. Murphy, born Jan. 14, 1927, died Aug. 3, 2008, peacefully, at his home in Sandwich, after a brief illness. Bill inspired all who met him with his gifts of compassion, wisdom, understanding and love. Bill served in World War II as a motor machinist mate from 1944-46. After leaving the service, he attended UMass-Amherst and was employed by Otis Elevator Co. for 40 years. Bill was the beloved husband of Dorothy M. (Frazier) Murphy for 54 years. She passed away in 2002. Bill was happily remarried to Catherine Mary (Shaughnessy) Murphy, who made him very happy in his final years. Bill and Dorothy are survived by 11 children and their spouses, Jim and Liz Murphy, Jack and Kathy Murphy, Joe and Phyllis Murphy, Lorraine and John Dale, Nancy and Chris Milan, Tom and Kim Murphy, Dorothy and Gary Davis, Peter and Lori Murphy, Bill and Catherine Murphy, Mary and Mark Swann and Martha and Eric Sabourin. He was additionally blessed with 24 grandchildren; four stepdaughters, their spouses and children. Bill is also survived by his loving sister and husband, Helen and Joe Fay; and brother-in-law, Charlie Pedretti and his late wife Marilyn Pedretti. Bill was an avid reader and a classic car enthusist. He often joked that he remembered the birth years of his 11 children by pairing each with a favored classic car. He will be greatly missed by all. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11, at St. John's Episcopal Church, Main Street, Sandwich. Burial will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery at 10:45 a.m. Visiting hours will be in the John Lawrence Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Marstons Mills, Sunday, Aug. 10, from 5-8 p.m.

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Published by The Enterprise on Aug. 9, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William Murphy

9 Entries

Carol Finnell

August 11, 2008

To My Uncle Billy and Godfather,
Someone once said that a good man is hard to find, but I know that's not always true...
I have an Uncle who was a gentle and a caring person, and a good listener too. Who was there when you needed him, and who made you feel needed too.
I have a Uncle who can be proud of who he is. Who is loved and respected more than he realizes. My Uncle Billy was everything a good man ought to be, and the best part is-- He's my friend and Uncle too.
Love Always Carol, Jeff, Joe andErin Finnell

Mark MacLeod

August 11, 2008

Bill got me in the elevator business 37 years ago, and I'm still here! The best man at my parent's wedding, and my father's life-long best friend, I grew up knowing Bill as an uncle, and always took delight when my Mom would recite the list of names in the Murphy family. He loved his cars and his motorcycles. I had the privilege of working with him many times as a helper and mechanic. He was among the tops in the field and took great pride in his workmanship. He was warm and friendly to everyone and seemed to take a personal interest in everyone around him. My enduring memory of Bill will always be of his sense of humor. He was always laughing and took great delight in life's twisting journey, but his humor was always good hearted and never mean-spirited. A wonderful, wonderful man.

Dennis Tooher

August 10, 2008

Great memories from the early days. Dennis Tooher

Michael Keenan, Sr.

August 9, 2008

There was no finer gentleman in this world. It was a pleasure to work with and to know him.

Mike Casey

August 9, 2008

Mr. Murphy,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served in the USN during WW II and for being a member of the Greatest Generation. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Krista Doherty

August 8, 2008

To all of you who loved Mr. Murphy,

It is with a heavy heart that I am writing for I know there is no way to help you through your grief. My thoughts are with you all, and I wish for you the blessings of remembering all that was joyous and wonderful with your father, husband, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend.

With love,
Krista Doherty

Joanne and John Drain

August 7, 2008

In Loving Memory of Uncle Billy

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered “come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your time of grief. Remember all the great times because that is what will bring you comfort.

The Almquists

August 7, 2008

To all Friends & Family of Bill: We pray that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6
We miss you Bill and love you very much,
Laurel, David, Matty, and Lily Jo

J S

August 7, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived
okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here
is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you
every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up
and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were
gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.

There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for
me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's
chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life
on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not
be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But
one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a
time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will
give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day
was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the
way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick
him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in
your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember
you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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