William Joseph Murphy

William Joseph Murphy, 91, passed away on April 17th, 2026. He was born on January 22nd, 1935, in New York City to the late Capt. William John Murphy and Aglae (Azua) Murphy. Bill grew up in St. Albans, Queens, and after graduating from high school, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving on the USS Gainard and USS Irwin at the end of the Korean conflict. Following his service, he and his new wife, Peg, moved to a small rural farm, where they started their family. On April 7th, 1962, just prior to the storied War Years, he began a 20-plus year career as a proud member of the FDNY, serving on 231 Engine, Ladder 26, Rescue 3, and Rescue 5.

Bill's bravery earned him numerous commendations, including a citation from the New York State Senate for a daring rope rescue in 1973, when he rescued six family members trapped in a burning building by swinging each one "Tarzan-style" to the closest fire escape; numerous unit citations; and the FDNY's Thomas F. Dougherty medal for his heroism during the tragic fire on June 27th, 1980, that resulted in the loss of life to Firefighter Larry Fitzpatrick (Rescue 3) and Firefighter Gerard Frisby (Ladder 28), an event that profoundly affected him for the rest of his life.

Although he was long retired by the time of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, Bill immediately dug out his boots and helmet and joined the effort for several months, assisting at the Pile and honoring the firefighters who perished that day.

In addition to Bill's lifelong appreciation for and attention to his physical appearance and clothing style, he had varied interests. Following his retirement from the FDNY, he developed an unexpected enthusiasm for competitive ballroom dance -- particularly the Latin Hustle and Argentine Tango -- for which he won several trophies, and in later years,he loved to entertain friends with his companion, Joy, at their home in Delray Beach, Florida.

Through it all, Bill's most cherished memories were of the years spent with his family on the farm, restoring the circa-1780 farmhouse and tending to the horses with Peg, and sledding with his young children and having hay-bale fights with them in the barn's hayloft.

Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Martin, and his companion of many years, Joy Berman. He is survived by his former wife, Peg (Cosgrove), and her spouse; his brother, John (Emily); his five children, William, Jr. (Susan), Maureen (Kami), Susan, Joseph (Caroline), and Debra (Ed Read); his grandchildren, Joe, Kieran, Braden, Lila, Melanie, Sara, Liam, and Declan; his great-grandchildren, Finn, Boon, and Sienna; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., at J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel, located at 41 W. Trenton Avenue, Morrisville, PA 19067. At 10:00 a.m., a funeral procession will travel to Washington Crossing National Cemetery for interment. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the procession.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to Greenwood House, 53 Walter Street, Ewing, NJ 08628. Donations may also be made online at www.greenwoodhouse.org/giving/