William Patrick Murphy, 75, of Tiverton, RI passed away Friday, May 15, 2009 peacefully at home with his loving family after a courageous ten month battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Mary Lou (Couture) Murphy.
Born July 31, 1933 in Fall River, son of the late Patrick J. and Gertrude P. (Brown) Murphy, he had lived in Westport for 39 years prior to moving to Tiverton in 2005. He was a 1952 graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School and a 1960 graduate of the University of Connecticut. A veteran of the Korean War, he served his country in the United States Navy. He retired after 35 years from Raytheon in Portsmouth, RI. Mr. Murphy was a 45 year member of the Knights of Columbus, Portsmouth Council 3618 and a member of the American Legion Post 145 of Westport.
More than anything, Bill was most proud of his family and their accomplishments. His family has fond memories of time spent together with their horses at local shows and on the farm. A member of the Newport Ski Club, he enjoyed many winters skiing together with his family. He could not be kept from attending any event involving his five children and seven grandchildren. His loving family was his greatest joy. Bill and Mary Lou spent their retirement traveling together which included trips to Ireland to trace his roots. Bill was an avid golfer and member of the Allendale Country Club where he spent many days with his brother Dan. He will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor.
Besides his loving wife of 53 years, he is survived by his four daughters: Donna Celone and her husband Michael of Bristol, RI, Caroline Fletcher and her husband James of Portsmouth, Kathleen DeSormier and her husband Ray of Tiverton and Brenda Hansen of Portsmouth, RI, and his son: Brian Murphy of Tiverton. He was a loving grandfather to Rachel, Casey, Kelly, Michael, Cody, Ryan and Abbey. He is also survived by his loving brother Daniel J. Murphy and his wife Diane of Wareham, MA, many nieces and nephews, and loving friends.
He was brother of the late Edward T. Murphy and Patrick J. Murphy.
Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be Monday, May 18, 2009 from the Potter Funeral Home at 8:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Theresa’s Church, Tiverton at 10:00 A.M.
Calling hours Sunday 4 - 7 P.M.
Interment in Beech Grove Cemetery, Westport.
Flowers are acceptable or memorial donations may be made to: V.N.S. of Newport and Bristol County, 1184 East Main Rd., Portsmouth, RI 02871. "Take care of the sick, remember the departed."