MURPHY, William Joseph - On Veterans Day November 11th 2025, with the skies lit up by the northern lights, the gates of heaven opened and welcomed William Joseph Murphy, 91, of Hampton, NH into eternal life, surrounded by the love of family and no doubt greeted at heaven’s gate by his wife, Ann Beattie Murphy, son, Michael Patrick Murphy, sister, Jeanne Murphy, and his parents, William and Ann Murphy.
Bill’s spirit now lives on in the hearts of his daughters Kathleen Eberle (Rob) of Hampton, NH, Maureen Frazier (Hans) of Austin, TX, son Kyle Murphy (Rachel) of Peoria, AZ, grandchildren Nicole, Michael, Kylie, Aidan, Alexander, and William, his brother John Murphy (Donna), sister Carol Ann Kilkenny (Robert) and sister Kathleen Fallon as well as a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. His warmth, wise counsel and eternal optimism will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Bill will be forever remembered for his sense of humor and expert storytelling. He captured all with his infectious smile, bright blue eyes - and a great head of hair!
Bill was born in New York City on April 28th, 1934. He was the eldest of five children. When he was 7, his family moved to an apartment in the Bronx. Bill was forever proud of his Bronx heritage and the many lessons he learned growing up in the Parkchester neighborhood. Bill and all his siblings attended Catholic and Jesuit schools. Different from today’s curriculum, Bill graduated high school with 5 years of Latin, 3 years of Greek, 3 years of French and 4 years of religion in addition to advanced achievement in math, science and English.
Bill attended Manhattan Civil Engineering College and obtained the credentials to enlist in the Naval Aviation Officers Program. Bill learned to fly Navy jets and served his country on ships in the Persian Gulf and around the world, including the first American ship to sail the Suez Canal.
Bill’s career started as an entry level job as a supply clerk at National Cash Register. As he did throughout his life, Bill poured himself into the role with energy and enthusiasm. His commitment and talents did not go unnoticed and he was soon given a temp job as a sales assistant in the cash register department and that was where Bill found his lifelong profession.
Bill had an extraordinary career with increasing responsibility and leadership roles with NCR, followed by New England Data Systems, Telxon, Symbol and Motorola. Throughout his career – and his life – Bill met every challenge with faith, persistence and optimism and each success with humility and gratitude.
Bill’s greatest legacy was the profound impact he had on so many others. From family to work colleagues and friends, the relationships he built, the impact he had on others and the love he gave and received were his great legacy. He touched so many lives in a positive, supporting, coaching and enriching way. All the members of his family benefited from his consistent availability, guidance, support and encouragement. The list of those gently guided by Bill Murphy goes much broader and deeper than family including friends at work that he mentored, lead, grew and had a win and laugh with. There are many at AA who have been fortunate to find an understanding friend in Bill Murphy, often when they had hit a rough patch and needed it most.
Bill Murphy had a life for which he was immensely grateful – he and Ann developed lifelong friendships in Pittsford, NY, Sherborn, MA, Akron, OH, Woodstock, VT, Wellesley, Ma and finally in Hampton, NH. Those whom he has now left behind have an incredible sorrow and at the same time a tremendous gratitude for all he was and gave while he was with us.
The family extends sincere appreciation and respect to the providers and staff at Cornerstone at Hampton and Beacon Hospice for the love and care over the past six years. Memorial donations may be made in Bill’s honor to The Michael Murphy Memorial Scholarship at Boston College or the St Joseph’s Parenting Center of Stamford Ct.
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Bill’s life visitation at George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA on Friday, December 12th from 4 – 6pm. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul’s Church, Wellesley on Saturday, December 13th at 10am. A Rite of Committal will be held immediately following the funeral at Pine Hill Cemetery in Sherborn, MA.