North Grafton – Retired Worcester Fire Department Captain, William F. Murphy, 86, a resident of North Grafton passed away surrounded by the family he loved Friday, June 9, 2023.
Bill was born April 11th, 1937, the son of James J. Murphy, Sr, and Lena G. (Duclos) Murphy. He joined the U.S. Navy serving from 1955 to 1958. Bill returned home, married his sweetheart Joy D. Quilliam enjoying the next 46 years before Joy left his side in 2004. In dealing with the heartache of his wife’s loss, Bill joined a bereavement group, where he met Patricia (Zona) Palumbo, who had lost her husband Joe. Bill and Pat married and dedicated the next 14 years to each other and their family.
After his Naval Service, Bill worked for Paul Flury Builders in Auburn before being appointed to the Worcester Fire Department in 1960. He served the City of Worcester over the next 40 years in several houses and trucks. His final assignment was as Captain of Rescue Squad 1 where he served in Central Division House until retiring in 2000.
Bill was a member of St Peters Parish, the American Legion Grafton Post 92, the American Legion Main South Post 341, the Local 1009 International Brotherhood of Fire Fighters Union, and the Worcester Fire Credit Union. Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed golfing with his Fire Department buddies. He especially enjoyed attending the sports events and dance recitals of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his wife and best friend of the last 14 years, Patricia (Zona) Palumbo; his five children, Kathleen J. Barrett of Spencer, Michael J. Murphy and his wife Catherine of Worcester, Stephen P. Murphy and his wife Paula of Sutton, Thomas J. Murphy and his wife Claudine of Auburn, and James J. Murphy and his wife Jaye-Erin of Auburn; 16 grandchildren he cherished, Megan, Scott, Matthew, Christine, Melissa, Bridget, Shane, Elizabeth, Erin, Thomas, Adam, Jacqueline, Liam, Ryan, Erin, and Caroline.; four great grandchildren, Nathan, Mia, Shamus, and Ronan. Bill also leaves a brother, James J. Murphy, Jr. and his wife Sylvia of Charlton, two sisters Marylou Shagro and Jane Pelkey both of Worcester, two sisters-in-law, Celica Murphy of Millbury and Linda Gelinas and her husband Al, of Florida; many nieces and nephews. William joins in heaven his parents, first wife Joy, grandson Timothy, granddaughter Elizabeth, sisters Shirley Dowd and Jean Murphy, and brothers Joseph and John Murphy.
Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Tuesday, June 13th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be celebrated Wednesday, June 14th with a procession beginning at 10:15 am from the funeral home to St. Peters Church, 929 Main St where Monsignor Francis Scollen will celebrate his Mass at 11:00 am. Burial with Military honors will follow in St John Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to Box 4 services c/o Worcester Fire Department Credit Union, 34 Glennie St. Worcester, MA 01605.
