William James Murphy

William James Murphy, 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Hyde Park on May 24, 2025.

William, better known as Bill or affectionately in his family as “Poppop”, was born on January 8, 1935 on his family’s farm in Lowell, Vermont to his parents, Bessie and Henry Murphy. Bill was one of 8 siblings and grew up working the family farm. As a teenager Bill took a job as a farm hand on the Flander’s farm in Hyde Park, VT. This is where he met his wife, Helen Flanders. They were married on November 24, 1957. Bill and his family built a home on the farmland in Hyde Park where he lived for 66 years.

Bill graduated from high school in Newport, VT. He worked his entire career at the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury as a psychiatric technician, where his wife Helen also worked as an LPN and social worker. In his retirement years, Bill also worked as the Animal Control Officer in Hyde Park. He loved animals, often bringing strays home for a few days until owners could be found. Bill and Helen had a number of beloved cats and dogs throughout their lives, including their boxer Scout, who was treated as another member of the family.

Bill was a dedicated father, grandfather and great-grandfather. When his children were young, Bill served many years as a Boy Scout Leader in Hyde Park. In his retirement years, Bill would often be found traveling with Helen and the grandchildren, taking family trips to Old Orchard Beach in Maine and Walt Disney World in Florida. He never rode many rides, but he was always sitting at a bench nearby holding everyone’s bags and recording the adventures on his Camcorder.

Bill also loved a good cup of coffee and conversations held around dining tables, enjoying visits with his family and friends. When he was home, Bill was often working on his model train sets, mowing the lawn on his trusty John Deere, or doing whatever odd jobs Helen thought up for him.

Bill is survived by his three children, Dawn Sweetser, Craig Murphy and Brian Murphy and wife Lisa. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Abigail Bourgeois and husband Jordan, Heather Murphy and Billy Murphy, and by five great-grandchildren, Barley Earle, Ryley Earle, Tanner Bourgeois, Tabor Bourgeois and Theodore Bourgeois. Bill was predeceased by his wife, Helen, his son-in-law Kenneth Sweetser, his great-grandson Porter Earle and all of his brothers and sisters.

Visiting hours for Bill will be held on Sunday June 1, 2025 at the Most Holy Name of Jesus Church in Morrisville, VT from 5pm-7pm. A funeral mass will be held on Monday June 2 and at 1pm, also at the Most Holy Name of Jesus Church in Morrisville.

Bill was able to spend his last few years at home because of the dedicated care given by his daughter Dawn, Daughter-in-law Lisa, granddaughter Abigail and niece Pat Murphy, as well as many nurses and aides he grew to love. The family would like to thank Dr. David Bisbee and Lamoille Home Health and Hospice for the care they gave Bill, and their assistance in allowing Bill to live out his final days in his home with his family.

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