William E. Murphy

WINCHENDON – William (Bill) Murphy went home to his Heavenly Father, surrounded by his family Tuesday, May 26th, at the age of 77.  He was born in Winchendon on October 12, 1937, the son of the late Francis (Pat) and Frances (Higgins) Murphy.  He graduated from Murdock High School with the class of 1955.  He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1960.

Bill worked as a customer service representative at New Hampshire Ball Bearing in Peterborough, NH , Electronics Department Manager at Walmart in Rindge, Sales Rep. for Time Frame in Peterborough, NH, and until his retirement as photographer at Creative Studio of Photography in Fitchburg.  He was active in sports most of his life, remaining an avid sports fan through the years.  He was a member of the Murdock Hall of Fame Committee, the Hildreth Memorial Scholarship Fund and served as church deacon for many years.  Bill had a lifelong passion for photography.  He also loved music and was one of the original members of the Stardusters, (Big Band).  He also played trumpet, trombone and drums in the church Praise and Worship Band.

Bill leaves his wife of 52 years, Linda (Barton) Murphy; three sons, Patric and his wife Marianne of Winchendon, Shannon and his fiancé Diana of Winchendon, Brian and his wife Sheryl of Winchendon and a daughter Melissa Girard and her husband Gordon of Oak Island, NC; one brother, Tom and his wife Carol of Winchendon, fourteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren, his father and mother-in-law, John and Germaine Barton of Keene, NH, a sister-in-law Nancy (Barton) Lovley and her husband Adra of Owls Head, ME, a brother-in-law, Kevin Barton and his wife Pam of Murfreesboro, TN and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was predeceased by a sister, Christy Woodard and her husband Richard.

Bill was a faithful and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, who enjoyed his family, friends and life.  Most of all, he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He went home as gently as he lived, he will be greatly missed.

Military funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 2nd at 11 A.M. in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.  There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or to Ann Romney Center for Neurological Disorders, Brigham and Woman’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

www.stone-ladeau.com

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