William Murphy, age 84, of Braintree and formerly of Centerville passed away peacefully and suddenly after a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with his family and friends on November 25, 2016. Bill was born, raised and educated in E. Boston. After graduating high school he joined the Navy and served honorably for four years, including a stint off the shores of Korea, during that conflict. He remained a member of the reunion committee of his beloved USS Stribling destroyer. As a result, he has many friends throughout the United States. When he returned from active service, he attended Bentley College then went into accounting. His stint with the Massachusetts State College Department saw him purchase and develop many properties that later became parts of Bridgewater, Boston, North Adams and Westfield State Colleges. Bill married his wife, Ellen Hunt Caterer, in 1972. They settled in Melrose where they lived until Bill retired. Bill and Ellen then moved to Centerville on Cape Cod where Bill was self-employed as a property manager for several condo associations. His tennis prowess was renowned throughout the Cape, as was his love of clamming, which he did for many years with his buddy Jack MacEachern. He loved traveling the world including trips to Aruba, (many times), Japan, Italy, Egypt, France, Spain and England. His infectious sense of humor was a delight to all who knew him, from Governors to waitresses. His collections of unique and humorous tee shirts and ball caps are an indication of his clever wit. He was New England Patriots fan from the days of Fenway Park and the Boston Patriots until this moment, since he’s no doubt smiling from above about his Pats whipping the Jet this week.
Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife Ellen Murphy (Hunt) earlier this year. He is survived by his step-son Glenn Caterer and his wife Peggy of S. Weymouth, his step-grandchildren John Caterer and his wife Laura of Hanson and Jill Cotter and her husband Michael of Needham, four great-grandchildren,
and cousins Billy Mahoney, Paul Mahoney and Margaret Mahoney Clemens.
Services for Bill are in the care of C. C. Shepherd Funeral Home in Weymouth, MA and will be private to honor Bill’s wishes. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation at 200 SE 1st Street Suite 800 Miami, Florida 33131.