William F. Murphy, of Melrose, died peacefully surrounded by family on September 3, 2016 at the age of 94. William was born in Cambridge on February 27th, 1922 to William and Helen (McGrath) Murphy. He was raised in Cambridge and attended Cambridge Ringe & Latin. William served his country honorably in the United States Army during World War II. He was part of the 8th 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 & Edwina first lived in Reading after they were married, followed by Melrose for over twenty years where they raised their children; and then Boxford, Hampton, NH, and back to Melrose. William worked as a men's neck wear salesman at Hughes & Potter, Wembley, and Rivetto. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in Melrose; and enjoyed playing golf at Mt 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 the Red Sox 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. Devoted father of the late William F. Murphy Jr., Mary-Ellen Murray & her husband Ned of Melrose, and Patricia Murphy & her husband Philip Rheault of Groveland. Caring brother of Eleanor Sullivan of Reading, Phyllis Murphy of Watertown, and the late Robert Murphy. Loving grandfather of Jeffry Murray, Jennifer Murphy, Lisa Symonds, and Emmaline Rheault. Proud great-grandfather of Jay Symonds Jr., Holden Symonds, and Jaclyn Dillon. Also survived by many nieces & nephews. A Graveside Service will be held at St. Patrick Cemetery, Stoneham, on Friday, September 9th, 2016 at 12:30 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at Incarnation Church in Melrose, on Friday September 16th, 2016 at 12:00 PM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Melrose Veteran's Fund, 562 Main St., c/o Veteran's Office, Melrose, MA 02176.