William K. Murphy

William Kevin Murphy 75, of Cranford, New Jersey and Harwich Port, Massachusetts died peacefully on September 12, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. William previously lived in the Matawan, New Jersey area for more than 40 years. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend who left this earth a better place for his part in it.  

Bill was born in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, which planted the seeds of his love of coastal life. He graduated from Asbury Park High School, and later completed night classes at the Monmouth College School of Business while working full-time to support his young family.  He served his country for six years in the US Army Reserves during the Vietnam War.
 
Bill chose a career in sales, and he enjoyed great success due to his caring nature, warmth, and an innate ability to connect with people and build strong relationships. During his early working years, he sold advertising for the Asbury Park Press. He moved into automobile sales, at first with Holsey Pontiac and later taking a position with Stein Cadillac. He spent his longest tenure working under the auspices of Gold Coast Cadillac in Oakhurst, New Jersey until his retirement. He never shied away from going above and beyond for his loyal customers, many of whom became personal and lifelong friends. Bill distinguished himself by becoming the #1 Cadillac salesperson in the U.S. for several years during his career. 
 
Bill particularly loved spending time with his wife Barbara and their family and friends. He spent as much time as possible at their Cape Cod home in Harwich Port, Massachusetts. He could often be found enjoying the outdoors, swimming in the ocean, biking, fishing, and playing tennis. He was also an avid skier who found great pleasure in hitting the slopes, especially in Utah.  Bill was adored for his selfless devotion to those he loved.  He genuinely cared about people and he was generous to the core.  His thoughtfulness and quick wit endeared him to many people far and wide. Anyone who met Bill Murphy knew they had come into contact with someone very special. 
 
Bill was preceded in death by his mother Thelma DeSimone, father William J. Murphy, and sister Nancy Walsh and husband, James. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara Murphy, daughter Dawn Proctor and husband Gary, son William Murphy, sister Delores Rizzo, nephew John Rowland and wife, Diane, grandniece Kelly Rowland, grandniece Alicia Breazeale and husband Marc and daughter, Charlotte, and daughter-in-law Anona Murphy.  He also leaves behind nephews Sean Walsh (wife Muriel and daughter Peyton), and Brian Walsh (husband James Villa), niece Holly Svekis and husband Steven and grandnieces Jacqueline and Gwenevere Svekis. He will be missed by his grandchildren Ariana, Colin, and Zack. 
Bill's visitation will be on Monday September 19th, from 4:00-8:30PM, and Tuesday September 20th from 9:30-10:30AM at Gray Memorial Funeral Home, 12 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ. His Service of Remembrance will begin at 11:00AM Tuesday September 20, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church, 11 Springfield Avenue, Cranford,NJ 07016. Please go to: www. grayfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences. Memorial contributions may be made in Bill's memory to: Compassionate Care ALS, www.ccals.org.