William Edward Murray
July 24, 1964 – October 24, 2025
Age 61 | Plum Island, Massachusetts
It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden, unexpected passing of William Edward Murray, 61, of Plum Island, Massachusetts, who fulfilled his ultimate Irish Goodbye on October 24, 2025.
Born on July 24, 1964, in Boston, MA, Bill was the cherished son of the late Doris (Goddard) Murray and Robert X. Murray. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1982 and soon moved to his favorite summer home of Plum Island. In 1993 he reacquainted with his sister’s college roommate, Colleen and they went on to share 28 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and countless memories.
Bill was a devoted husband and a proud father of Tegan and Liam. Anyone who met Billy was sure to see pictures and hear tales of his children’s maritime adventures. As genuine as they come, he approached every day with warmth, humor, and an unwavering dedication to his family. A quiet soul, with a gift for delivering perfectly timed one-liners. He made everyone around him feel welcomed and seen.
Bill began his career as a finish carpenter working for his father’s company RX Murray Construction. He recently retired from the Boston Carpenters Union Local 33, after 37 years of service. Bill took great pride in his work and was especially grateful for the friendship of his fellow carpenters. Outside of work, he was happiest spending days on his boat, taking family vacations to tropical beaches and hanging out with Ziggy, “the dog he never wanted.”
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Colleen Burke Murray and his children,Tegan and Liam Murray of Plum Island and various ports of call; his sister, Beth T. Murray of Newburyport; brother, Robert X. “Buddy” Murray and his partner Richard Flemming of Haverhill. He was devoted to his mother-in-law Gail Burke and loved sharing laughs with his brothers-in-law Shawn and Peter Burke of Woburn. He will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved him deeply.
Though his time with us was too short, Bill’s love, laughter, and spirit will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew him. Stop, enjoy the sunset and raise a toast.
A celebration of life will be held at the PITA Hall, Newbury, Plum Island, on Sunday, November 23 from 1-4pm. Dress however you are comfortable even if that means a tie-dye or Hawaiian shirt. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite kind-hearted cause.