The family of retired U.S. Navy Commander William E. “Bill” Murphy brought him back to his childhood neighborhood in observance of Veteran’s Day. Born and raised on 46th street in Bayonne, Bill died on Nov. 4, 2013, at age 63.
Bill entered the Navy in 1981, served more than 22 years on active duty, and participated in America’s response to the Beirut Barracks bombings, the Persian Gulf War, and Operation Uphold Democracy.
Ever the consummate patriot, Bill became involved in the Navy’s ROTC program, most recently at Linden High School, where he served as lead instructor.
Bill is survived by his son, Liam Murphy, of Philadelphia, and Liam’s mother, Louise Murphy, of Chesterfield. Also surviving are his siblings, Kathleen McKeand, Julie (Richard) Sullivan, and Joseph Murphy, all of Bayonne; Mary Ellen (Bruce) Dix of Delmar, NY; his twin Charles (Patricia) Murphy of Jackson; and Terence Murphy of Palm Springs, CA. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Cathrin and his brother, Kevin.
The Murphy family is establishing the Commander Murphy Scholarship Fund. Donations in Bill’s memory should be sent to: Commander Murphy Scholarship, c/o Antoinette Modrak, Principal, Linden High School, 121 W. St. Georges Avenue, Linden, NJ 07036