William A Murphy, age 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Father’s Day, Sunday June 16, 2019. He was born on January 14, 1946 in Holyoke, a son of the late Thomas and Edna (Ste. Marie) Murphy. William “Bill” was a lifetime resident of Chicopee and a Chicopee High School graduate, Class of 1963. He was known for his handsome smile, charm, and a strong set of moral values. He served in the US Navy for 4 years on the USS Essex aircraft carrier during the Vietnam Era. He worked at the J &J mill later called Facemate for over 50 years. Bill was an avid reader, golfer, and sports enthusiast. In his earlier years, he enjoyed playing softball and hockey. He traveled to St. Louis to play in a championship game with his Facemate softball team. He was a lifelong Boston Red Sox and N.E. Patriots fan. He was thrilled the day he got to live out a dream and attend the 2nd game of the 2018 World Series. He would watch or listen to every game he could. He worked his way through night school at WNEC where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree. He was a communicant of Holy Name of Jesus Parish. Bill was very community focused and as an active member of Holy Name he ran BINGO for many years as well as serve as a Eucharistic Minister. He was a loyal and dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus Elder Council #69 in Chicopee. He served many roles such as Grand Knight, District Deputy to the State Council, and State Chairman of the K of C Golf tournament. For many years he ran BINGO, multiple family-oriented events and picnics, and fundraisers. He was a member of the Fr Daniel Doyle 4th Degree Assembly #2631 and of the Chicopee Falls American Legion Post #2075. As Coach Murphy of the CHS Girls’ JV Basketball team he would keep the crowd engaged running his plays, arguing with the referees, and taking his frustrations out on the bench. In retirement, Bill enjoyed the camaraderie of the Monday afternoon golf league at the Chicopee Golf Club. He spent his time as a snowbird, traveling between Chicopee and Florida. He found great joy in spending time with his grandchildren and especially liked their trips to the Poconos every summer. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Susan E. (Bressette) Murphy of Chicopee; one son, Sean Murphy and his partner Lisa Warnke of Newtown, PA; four daughters, Kelly Smith and her husband Derek of Issaquah, WA, Colleen Murray and her husband Robert of Brookfield, CT, Dr. Kathleen Murphy and her husband Dr. Robert Chalif of Amherst and Maureen Goldie and her husband Bill of Chicopee; two brothers, Thomas Murphy and his partner Noreen Robinson of Monson and John Murphy and his wife Margaret of Holyoke; one sister Barbara VanKirk of Maine; his brother-in-law Stephen “Red” Fallon of Westfield; 13 grandchildren, Dr. Brendan Smith, Shamus, Bryce, Gena, Kayla, Jack, Shauna, Cora, Liam, Declan, Levi, William and Jameson along with many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2019 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St., Chicopee. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, June 21, 2019 at 9:00 AM in Assumption Church, 109 Springfield St., Chicopee followed by Committal Prayers in the Chapel of the MA Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St, Springfield, MA 01104.