The Catholic Church on Long Island and beyond mourns the death of the Most Reverend William Francis Murphy, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Bishop Murphy entered into eternal life on March 26, 2026, at the age of 85. His passing comes just days before Holy Week, prompting many to reflect on a lifetime dedicated to priestly formation, social justice, and pastoral leadership.
Born on May 14, 1940, in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, to Cornelius and Norma Murphy, William Francis Murphy grew up in the Archdiocese of Boston and attended Boston Public Schools. He pursued his priestly formation at Saint John’s Seminary in Boston and continued his studies in Rome. On December 18, 1964, he was ordained to the priesthood at the Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City—a profound beginning to a ministry that would span continents and decades.
After ordination, Father Murphy served in the Archdiocese of Boston with ten years of teaching and pastoral work. He returned to Rome, where he became a member of the Pontifical Commission Justitia et Pax (now the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development). In 1980, Pope John Paul II appointed him undersecretary of the commission, a position he held for seven years, contributing significantly to the Church’s social teaching. He later served as rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome, guiding the formation of future priests from the United States.
In 1995, Pope John Paul II named him an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston. Then, on June 26, 2001, he was appointed the fourth Bishop of Rockville Centre, one of the largest dioceses in the United States, serving the Catholic faithful across Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island. He was installed on September 5, 2001, and led the diocese until his retirement in December 2016 (effective January 2017), when Pope Francis accepted his resignation. During his tenure, Bishop Murphy navigated challenging times, including the implementation of reforms in response to the clergy abuse crisis, while remaining a strong defender of the faith and an advocate for evangelization. He also served as Apostolic Administrator until his successor’s installation.
Beyond his diocesan responsibilities, Bishop Murphy was a longtime trustee of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA), where he embraced the mission of supporting Eastern Churches and humanitarian efforts in the Middle East and beyond. His international experience and commitment to justice and peace left a lasting impact on the universal Church.
Those who knew Bishop Murphy often spoke of his warm, accessible, and caring nature. He had a resemblance to the late actor Mickey Rooney as well. Colleagues and faithful alike remembered his smile—a radiant, welcoming expression that brought joy and made people feel truly seen and valued, reflecting the pastoral heart of a shepherd who loved his flock.
As we commend Bishop Murphy to the mercy of God, we give thanks for his intellectual distinction, pastoral charity, and unwavering devotion. May his faithful service continue to inspire clergy and laity alike in the spirit of missionary discipleship.
A Prayer for the Repose of His Soul
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
May Bishop William F. Murphy rest in the peace of Christ, whom he served so generously throughout his earthly journey.
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