A consumate gentleman always, with a great ability to finesse any situation and generate a lesson from it. He was Prinicipal at Gabriel Richard in Riverview when I attended. He was always engaged with the staff & students. A wonderful example & mentor for young people. I thought of him often throughout my life and was grateful for his guidance, intelect and wisdom.  A very good man. Rest well in the light of the Good Lord. You are already missed. 

I'm so sorry to have missed Fr. Bill's funeral services since I was out of town.  He was my late husband's cousin and officiated at our wedding and again 50 years later when Mike and I renewed our vows.  God bless this kind, soft-spoken, devout man of God, who had a ready smile and an easy way of offering comfort to those in need of his guidance.  God bless him.

I had pleasure of knowing Fr. Murphy for several years while he was a pastor at Our Lady of Refuge. After Father retired, I enjoyed seeing him once a year and having him over for an occasional dinner. He was a great servant to our Lord. 

Father Murphy,

You were a great priest. Thank you for your service to our parish, and for always talking to me after Mass. We miss you. May rest in peace. God bless you.


Bill Murphy was not only a revered priest but also a wonderful friend to me, my wife and our family. There are so many activities, experiences, travels together, and working together on church projects that all would be impossible to enumerate.

Father Murphy, married our children and even joined us in Napa, California to marry our Son in a Vineyard. It was a marvelous affair and indicative of the flexibility that father Murphy brought to our relationship.

My fondest memories of Father Murphy will always be the conversations we had relative to life, religion, politics, and anything that creates interest in other people.

I am jubilant for having had a confidant, a trustworthy friend, a spiritual guide, and a companion. I will remember him for the rest of my life, and will have him in my prayers and intentions.

Condolences to the Murphy family.  Father Bill was an example to those of us who were younger priests many years ago.  He was admirable and kind.  Msgr. Dan Trapp

When Father Murphy was appointed as Pastor at Our Lady of Refuge in Orchard Lake, MI in 1985, I was already a part-time Family Minister hired previously in 1980 by Father Francis Dietz. When Father Murphy arrived, besides Family Ministry, he asked me to start RCIA in the parish (Rite for Christian Initiation of Adults), a position and a blessing I held for upwards of 20 years. 
  In the Rectory, I had the office next to Father Murphy's, he placed a much-appreciated level of confidence in my ministry, he had the charming practice when he wanted to say something to me in person, whether positive or perhaps not so positive he would come into my office and begin by saying "Now, Denis . . ." I appreciated this directness about him. He was a learned man, "open to growth" always attending some seminar or workshop, e.g. at Notre Dame University.
Father knew how to hire and develop outstanding staff. Of special note was his Christmas party for the Staff in the Rectory, where besides drinks and dinner (spouse and/or significant other also invited) he graciously bestowed upon each Staff member some cherished gift. Towards the end of the party, he always directed the singing of "First Day of Christmas, etc. up to twelfth" and invariably I was appointed to lead us in this communal mirth, accompanied by Chris Barowicz on the piano.

God bless you, Father William John Murphy, and may Abba, Jesus and their Spirit welcome you warmly and lead you, along with Mary and Joseph,  into eternal bliss.
We love you!

Bill was my first pastor. I was assigned to his care as a deacon in 1982. He was a blessing to my life, and so full of life, though there were those who thought him aloof. He was anything but!

His place at the table has been set, and Jesus rejoices to welcome him, after so long a faithful service, 

May the angels welcome you to paradise, and the martyrs welcome on your way.!

Bill's favorite phrase: 'Dear God, what's next.' And for this I am eternally grateful. Rest in Joy, Bill.  prayers. Doc

Fr. Murphy was a. Closre family friend . Especially remember our fun fall visits to Vermont.

OBITUARY

Fr. William John Murphy

June 24, 1931 – January 5, 2023

Harry J Will Funeral Homes

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