Published in the September 9, 2016 edition
MELROSE — William F. Murphy, 94, of Melrose, died peacefully surrounded by family on Sept. 3.
William was born in Cambridge on Feb. 27, 1922 to William and Helen (McGrath) Murphy. He was raised in Cambridge and attended Cambridge Rindge & Latin. William served his country honorably in the United States Army during World War II. He was part of the Eighth Infantry Division which landed on the beaches of Normandy and fought in the Rhineland.
After the war, he married Edwina J. Meuse and the two spent 70 years of marriage together. William and Edwina first lived in Reading after they were married, followed by Melrose for over 20 years where they raised their children; and then Boxford, Hampton, N.H. and back to Melrose.
William worked as a men’s neckwear salesman at Hughes & Potter, Wembley, and Rivetto. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in Melrose and enjoyed playing golf at Mount Hood Golf Course as well as working as a starter there.
William was an avid gardener and enjoyed raising animals. He was a faithful Boston sports fan but he had a passion for baseball dating back to the days of the Boston Braves, and even worked the turnstiles at Braves Stadium.
Above anything else, William loved his family. Whether it was taking trips to Hampton Beach or just spending time around the house, William was happiest with his family. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
William was the beloved husband of Edwina J. (Meuse) Murphy of Melrose.
He was the devoted father of the late William F. Murphy Jr., Mary-Ellen Murray and her husband Ned of Melrose and Patricia Murphy and her husband Philip Rheault of Groveland. He was the caring brother of Eleanor Sullivan of Reading, Phyllis Murphy of Watertown and the late Robert Murphy. He was the loving grandfather of Jeffry Murray, Jennifer Murphy, Lisa Symonds and Emmaline Rheault. He was the proud great-grandfather of Jay Symonds Jr., Holden Symonds and Jaclyn Dillon. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at St. Patrick Cemetery, Stoneham, on Friday, Sept. 9, at 12:30 p.m.
A funeral Mass will be held at Incarnation Church in Melrose on Friday, Sept. 16 at noon.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Melrose Veterans Fund, 562 Main St., c/o Veteran’s Office, Melrose MA 02176.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
