Obituary of William P. Murphy

ILION – Mr. William Paul “Bill” Murphy, age 82, a lifelong Ilion resident, passed away in his home on July 1, 2017, one day after his 44th Wedding Anniversary to the love of his life, Mary (Palmer) Murphy.

Born on January 5, 1935, William was the son of the late William and Florence (Jordan) Murphy. After graduating high school in 1953, Bill worked for a time at GE Aerospace before joining the United States Air Force Reserves. Following that, Bill attended college at SUNY Brockport earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1963.

His tenure with the West Canada Valley Central School District lasted over thirty years. Throughout those decades, not only did he teach eighth and ninth grade math, but he also coached football, basketball and baseball. Bill loved sports. He loved playing them, watching them, and especially teaching generations of children how to play them. After his retirement, he spent his time reading, doing puzzles and word games, and watching the NY Yankees, NY Giants and Boston Celtics.

While Bill couldn’t get enough sports, his true love was his family. His marriage to the former Mary Palmer began on June 30, 1973 at the Church of the Annunciation, and spanned forty-four years filled with love, laughter and happiness. As the years passed, their family grew to encompass their children and grandchildren. The love that Bill showed to each one of them will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Although he taught and coached hundreds of children throughout the years, his true legacy lives on in his own family.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his sons, William Murphy and wife, Katie, of New Orleans, and Michael Murphy and Emily Lattanzi, of Virginia; his daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Greg Giovinazzo of Virginia; his seven grandchildren, William, Alyssa, Jacob, Dominick, Colin, Declan and Kieran; his brother and sister-in-law, Patrick “Wayne” and Janice Murphy of Ilion; his sister, Mary Jean Murphy of Ilion; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, former colleagues and friends.

He was predeceased by his infant grandchildren, Anthony Vincent Giovinazzo and Lysette Lily Murphy.

Bill’s kindness, generosity and gentle spirit left an impression on everyone he met. He is truly loved and will be greatly missed.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, July 6, 2017, from 4:00PM – 6:00PM at the original Enea Family Funeral Home (FKA Holleran Funeral Service), 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer, NY 13350 (315) 866-1011. Bill’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning, July 7, 2017, at 10:00AM at the funeral home and at 11:00AM at Holy Family Parish in Little Falls, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered.

Funeral arrangements and supervision have been entrusted to Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors of the Enea Family Funeral Homes.

Online notes of sympathy may be offered at www.eneafamily.com.