William M. Murray

Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late William and Rose Ann (Tobin) Murray.

William was a graduate of New Bedford High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy and was a Vietnam veteran. In 1967, there was an Israeli conflict between Egypt and Israel, which he was dispatched along with 16 other sailors to serve aboard the USS Liberty to aid and assist after the Liberty was attacked. He later received letters of accommodations, one from the USS Liberty and the other from the USS Davis for duty.

As a Commercial Baker, he was employed at several bakeries, up until his retirement. He enjoyed collecting coins, a History enthusiast, an avid NY Giants fan, and volunteered at the Lighthouse Animal Shelter since he had a deep love for animals. Spending time with his family was very important, especially his two cats, Millie and Chloe. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Brenda Murray and her husband David Marks of New Bedford; two grandchildren, Jarrod Vieira of New Bedford and Ernest Vardo III of Fairhaven; a sister, Sheila Dubois and her husband Richard of New Bedford; his cousin, Ed O’Leary; several nieces and nephews, and his life-long friend, Bob Thatcher. He was the father of the late Stephanie Murray and brother of the late Mary Reilly.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at 9:00am from ROCK FUNERAL HOME, followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Rd., Dartmouth, MA 02747. His visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, from 5:00 – 7:00pm in the ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery on Route-6.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to any local Animal Shelter of one’s choice. For on-line tributes, www.rock-funeralhome.com