ATKINSON, N.H. — William J.F. Murphy, 67, of Atkinson, NH, formerly of Bradford, MA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer on Friday, January 20, 2012.
Mr. Murphy was born June 2, 1944 in Haverhill, son of the late Jeremiah F. and Margaret M. (McCarthy) Murphy of Ireland. He was raised in the Bradford section of Haverhill, attended Sacred Hearts School and graduated from Central Catholic High School, Lawrence, Class of 1962. Mr. Murphy then attended Merrimack College, graduated with a degree in Accounting; he continued his education at the University of Rhode Island, graduated with a Master's Degree of Economics; and attended the Doctoral Studies program at the University of New Hampshire furthering his studies in Accounting.
He began working for the accounting firm of Main Hurdman, in Boston, MA. Then in 1973 started and maintained through today the accounting firm of William J.F. Murphy, CPA, PFS, CFP located in Haverhill, MA, practicing for 38 years. He truly was passionate about his career. Also during this time, he was a professor of Accounting in both the undergraduate and the MBA program at the former New Hampshire College, now Southern New Hampshire University, for over 30 years. He taught courses in accounting, finance and taxation.
He was a recipient of the Peat Marwick's Trueblood Professor of Accounting designation and is listed in the America's Who's Who in Finance. He was elected the 52nd President of the New Hampshire Society of Certified Public Accountants in 1985 and maintained this role for a few years and held the distinction for being the first non-resident President.
Mr. Murphy enjoyed spending time with his family, especially being together at their home at Lake Winnipesaukee, boating and being outdoors at the lake. He and his family have traveled throughout Ireland, England, and Wales visiting family and experiencing those memories together. He and his wife, Pam would travel together especially to Arizona, Florida and Canada.
He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Pamela H. (Cichocki) Murphy of Atkinson, NH. Cherished and beloved father of Erin A. Murphy and her husband Adam J. Pappalardo, of Atkinson, NH, Megan M. Sheehan and her husband, Michael E., of Attleboro, MA and William J.F. Murphy, Jr. of Haverhill, MA; grandchildren, Mark J. and Nathan W. Pappalardo; brother, John J. and his wife, Margie A. Murphy of Bradford; nephews, Kevin F., Sean P., and Brian J. Murphy of Bradford. He has many cousins locally and abroad and Tim McCarthy, Mary Tannian and Margaret Dwyer, all of North Reading, MA were like siblings.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning, January 24th, beginning in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Bradford at 9:30 AM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Leonard at Sacred Hearts Church, 165 So. Main Street, Bradford at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Salem Street, Bradford. Visiting hours will be held Monday in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street (Rte. 125), Bradford, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Contributions in Bill's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to Lahey Clinic, c/o Sophia Gordon Cancer Center, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01805.
