William ("Bill") F. Murphy, 78, of Fall River, husband of Cynthia E. (Morley) Murphy, passed away at home surrounded by family on Saturday, August 31, 2024, after an illness. Born and raised in Fall River and a longtime resident of Somerset, he was the son of the late Matthias Murphy and the late Margaret (Reagan) Murphy. Bill was a graduate of BMC Durfee High School Class of 1963.  Bill earned his bachelor's degree in accounting at the former S. M. U. (Southeastern Massachusetts University) now UMass Dartmouth in 1972.

Proprietor for many years of Murphy's Emerald Isle Café in Fall River and Murphy's Family Restaurant in Swansea, Bill's affable nature and welcoming personality served him well and provided him innumerable lifelong bonds of friendship throughout the local area. Even after closing the café, he was able to perpetuate its well-known atmosphere of camaraderie by furnishing space in his garage for entertaining friends and family – described as a gentlemen's social club, the "New Emerald Isle Café" was frequently visited by friends and family where they would retreat to seek counsel, solace, a garage beer, a cigar, and take in a Yankee game.

After closing the Emerald Isle he entered the private food service industry in various roles for Horizon Bay Inc, which serviced numerous assisted living facilities throughout Rhode Island. He was equally loved by coworkers and residents of the facilities for his willingness to listen and ensure needs were met. He started with Horizon Bay Inc. as a cook and eventually retired as a Director of Food Service for the area. He served as a mentor to many and those bonds endured long after his retirement.

He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees. He was fortunate enough to bear witness to 17 World Series Championships by the Yankees and made many visits to the stadium that he affectionately referred to as "The Shrine."

Bill was proud to have honorably served his country as a United States Marine earning the rank of Sergeant. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War completing a tour of duty as a member of VMA 311 Tomcats Marine Attack Squadron at Chu Lai Airbase. He was a longtime, dedicated member of the Lance Corporal John Van Gyzen Marine Corps League Detachment #1285 of Somerset, and served as its Paymaster for twelve years.

Besides his wife, he is survived by: four children, Jennifer Carr of Fall River, David Addison (wife Kayoon) of Fall River; Liam Murphy (partner Jamie Lacerda) of Somerset, and Patrick Murphy (wife Caitrin) of Glocester, RI; three siblings, Margaret Curry of Manchester, CT, Rose Marie Swenson of Fall River, and John Murphy of Fall River; thirteen grandchildren, Ashlan, Zoe, Elsie, Conor, Gwyneth, Margaret, Samantha, Nathan, Brendan, Reagan, Finn, Jack, and Marty; and many nieces and nephews. William was also a brother to the late Matthias Murphy, Paul Murphy and Owen Murphy.

The Marine Corps League Ceremonial Service was conducted on Wednesday, September 4th, during a visitation period in our Fall River Chapel. A private cremation followed. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you consider making a donation in his name and honor to LCPL John Van Gyzen Marine Corps League Detachment #1285, 265 High Street, Somerset, MA 02726.

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to make in-person expressions of kindness and support. If you were unable to do so, because of health concerns or any other reason, all are urged to express their sympathy online or by mail. To ensure that said condolences and/or sympathy cards reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website (www.silvafaria.com) and not through a third party. Thank you!