William F. Murray, Jr.

Murray, William F. Jr., of Woburn, formerly of Cambridge, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family on April 2, 2024, he was 98 years young.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 66 years, Dorothy T. (Culleton). Cherished father of Mary Ellen Canty (Kevin) and Carol A. Strachan (the late Donald) of Billerica, William F. Murray III (Lisa) of Medford, James R. Murray (Maricel) and Christine M. Chute (James) all of Woburn.

Adored Papa to fifteen grandchildren: Erin (Kelley), Patrick, and Katelyn (Olson) Canty; Rachel, Emily (Wheeler) and Donald Strachan; Jennifer, Heather, William IV, Michael, Kathryn, and Elizabeth Murray; James Murray; Kyle and Cameron Chute. He was also the proud Great Grandfather to Julius, Sebastian, Noelle, Ellah, Madilyn, Gemma, Maeve, June, and William.

Born in Dorchester, William was the son of the late William and Margaret (Horan) Murray. He was the dear brother of the late Joan, Robert and Lawrence; and brother-in-law of Kay Murray, Mary Murray and the late Michael Denaro. He was also the brother-in-law of Margaret and the late Simon Monchick, Francis (Barbara) Culleton and Alice Pednault; and the late Edward Culleton, Mary and Earl Manifase, Barbara and Edward Goscinak, Patricia and Joseph Pagliuca.

William graduated as Salutatorian of St. John's High School, Cambridge, Class of 1942. He continued his education at Boston College on an academic scholarship. Upon completion of his first year at Boston College he enlisted in the Navy. Bill attended the Naval Aviator Program at Williams College. He then attended aerial gunnery school and aviation machinist school. He served on a PBM mariner flying boat out of Cape Canaveral Florida. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Bill returned to Boston College and graduated in 1949 with a BS in Economics. William worked in the business office of Lahey Clinic in Kenmore Square. He had the privilege of being invited to Dr. Frank H. Lahey's funeral service.

In 1947 Bill met his love Dorothy Culleton, they married in May of 1951 and began their life together. With a growing family, Bill made the decision to follow in family members' footsteps and enter a career of public service joining the Cambridge Fire Department. He continued to rise through the ranks and retire as Deputy Chief. During his years on the fire department he served as Treasurer for the Cambridge chapter of the American Red Cross.

A lifelong learner and true Renaissance man, upon retirement Bill continued his education at Salem State University where he proudly received his Masters Degree in English Literature at the age of 67. An avid reader, Bill had a collection of many books of varied genres that he treasured and enjoyed discussing and lending to those interested. He also proudly displayed his art collection and loved to show it to his visitors.

Bill and Dot enjoyed traveling; including trips to the British Isles, Europe, Greece, Turkey, Newfoundland and Canada. They enjoyed many memorable trips to Germany while their son William was stationed in the Army. Family vacations were spent in Dennisport on Cape Cod as well as Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire. In their retirement years they spent winters in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

The Murray's have been avid fans of Boston College football and hockey holding season tickets for several decades attending many bowl games throughout the years. He had been actively following the hockey team's recent quest to the Frozen Four!

A resident of Benchmark Senior Living Woburn, Bill and his family made meaningful friendships. He enjoyed many social programs over the years including the daily Happy Hour gathering. Every day ended with an evening viewing of Wheel of Fortune followed by Jeopardy with Bill always knowing most of the answers.

A man of faith, William was an active member of St. Barbara's Parish and kept many in his daily prayers. If you were in his prayers, you knew you were in good hands. William will be remembered for his brilliant mind, honesty, quick wit, sense of humor and being a first class gentleman. He loved being surrounded by his family.

Visiting Hours will be held from the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut St. (adjacent to St. Agnes Church, Rt. 60) ARLINGTON, on Monday, April 8th from 4-7PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Barbara's Church, Cambridge Rd, Woburn on Tuesday, April 9th at 10 am. Relatives and friends invited. Services will conclude with burial at Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Donations may be made in Bill's memory to the American Red Cross.

For directions or to send a message of condolence, please visit www.keefefuneralhome.com.