William H. Murray

"Chicopee, William H. Murray, 91, died Thursday, June 19 at VA Medical Center, W. Roxbury. Born in Holyoke, May 10, 1923, he was the son of Albert H. Murray, Sr., and Ellen (Kurtz) Murray. He served his country during WWII with the 5th Army in North Africa and also with the 7th Army in the invasion of Sicily with the 105th AWW separate Battalion, attached to 1st Infantry Division. He was wounded July 10, 1943 and returned to the states. He was awarded the Purple Heart, European, African, Middle East Campaign and WWII Victory Medal. Life Member of VFW Post 3104. Past Commander of VFW Post 3104 as well as Past Commander of VFW District 13, Charter Member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Western Mass Chapter 875, Past Commander and Life Member of American Legion Post 266 and presently a member of American Legion Post 275. He was a member of the Moose Lodge 1849, He worked as a lithographer for Valley Graphics Inc for 30 years before retiring in 1987. He lived in S. Hadley for many years, serving as former town meeting member, Hampshire County Commissioner and a Special Police Officer for the town. He served on the Memorial Day Committee, Cable Advisory Board, Town Democratic Committee and was a member of the Moose Lodge 1849 and a volunteer of the Pioneer Valley USO. He leaves behind 2 sons William H., Jr. and wife Leeann of Virginia Beach, VA, and Raymond J. and his wife Sharon of Ludlow, along with 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He also leaves siblings Barbra Osgood and Betty Kadlewicz as well as Albert H. Jr., Francis G, and Charles. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, who stood by him through thick and thin for 66 years, Cecelia (Moriarty) who died in 2012. He was also predeceased by sisters Eleanor Bowen, Estelle Crean, and June Loftus. Calling hours will be Tuesday, June 24 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story S. Hadley Funeral Home, 646 Newton St. (Rte 116). A Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, June 25 at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Granby, followed by burial in West Cemetery. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home for 9:00 a.m. or meet directly at church. For those wishing, donations may be to "The Military Order of The Purple Heart W.Mass Chapter 875, 174 Brainerd Street, South Hadley, MA 01075"."