Every guy who knew him wanted to be like Bill Murphy: handsome, thoughtful, under control, never controlling, always knew the right thing to say, no matter the circumstances. Being Bill Murphy? What’s it like being you?
“Never betterer.”
Bill passed away last week at 87.
For years he was the face of United Illuminating – placing power in people – as assistant to the president. He was an Irish kid from the South End who graduated through the ranks, a meter reader then a lineman. Yes, he climbed telephone polls and then the corporate ladder.
Bill’s electricity lit up numerous friendships, associations, goodwill and corporate generosity. As a business and community leader his job required him to show up to all kinds of events, but he also was present at times unexpected.
Bill was parts Mr. Rogers and your favorite local cleric, an on-the-spot confessional, not for him, per se, for you. He just had a way of checking judgement at the door, no matter the situation.
And, then, there was a bit of Murphy-speak. If you had an idea he liked that complemented one of his suggestions, something that exceeded expectations, he’d say something like this: “More betterer.”
Bill was the type of guy who recognized someone in need without waving pompoms. A poor inner-city kid, his parents with no means, longing for a bike? Bill quietly made it happen. He never sought accolades. And, for the man who showed up, so often, so present, he also made time to avail at unexpected times.
To illustrate, a guy got himself into a mess 25 yeas ago, jammed up in a high-profile federal probe: cleaned out by legal fees, government liens, no work, phone silent, loses his house, homeless without the roof of his elderly parents.
The guy showed up in federal court in New Haven for his sentencing, knowing he was doing time, just not sure how much, either way the thought of ending up in the joint uber disquieting.
The guy looked around the courtroom and in the last row was Bill Murphy, unannounced. He provided a wink and thumbs up, an inspiring moment for someone who was about to receive an involuntary vacation.
I know this story because I was that guy.
Abriola obituary
William “Bill” Murphy — beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, athlete, and friend — passed away Tuesday May 26th, surrounded by the love of his family. Throughout his 87 years, Bill lived a life rooted in compassion, service, generosity, and unwavering love for those closest to him. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Bill was born in 1939 at Bridgeport Hospital in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Dorothy Mae Mickman and Vernon Stanley Murphy. Raised in Bridgeport’s South End, Bill carried a deep pride in his roots throughout his life. The neighborhood helped shape his character, instilling in him a lifelong commitment to community service and a steadfast desire to see Bridgeport remain a vibrant and thriving city.
As a young man, Bill spent his days running the streets of the South End with his lifelong friends, swimming at Seaside Park, and building bonds that would endure for decades. Those friendships remained among the greatest treasures of his life. Even in his later years, Bill often returned to Seaside Park to walk along the shoreline, reflecting on the neighborhood, memories, and people who meant so much to him.
Bill was a gifted athlete and an accomplished softball MVP whose competitive spirit was matched by his loyalty and camaraderie. Those same qualities of honor and teamwork carried into his military service where he proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1956 to 1957.
After graduating from Fairfield College Preparatory School, Bill began a distinguished career with United Illuminating Electric Company. Through hard work and perseverance, he rose through the ranks from meter reader to lineman, and eventually serving as Assistant to the President of UI and Director of Community Relations. Following 42 years of devoted service, Bill retired from UI in 1999 and continued his commitment to helping others through his work with Hall-Brooke as Director of Strategic Services. In 2006, he went on to serve as Executive Director of the Barnum Festival, where he continued to make a lasting impact on the community.
In 1987, Bill married Kristi Bonds, beginning a loving partnership filled with laughter, family, and cherished memories. Family was always at the center of Bill’s world, and nothing brought him greater happiness than being surrounded by the people he loved most.
Bill was a devoted and deeply proud father to his daughters: Dawn Murphy; Susan Velky (John); Amber Rich (Ryan Wolf); Brittany Farfan (Juan); and Billi Biggs (Donovan). One of his greatest joys was watching his daughters become nurses — a reflection of the compassion, strength, and care he admired so deeply. Bill spoke of their accomplishments with immense pride and never missed an opportunity to celebrate the women they became.
He was a loving grandfather to Katelyn Claudomir, Shanna Figlewski, Lawrence Iannucci, Jena O’Brien, Riley, Lily, and Joey Rich; Theodore Farfan; and William, Benjamin, and Madison Biggs. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Harper, Cassius, and Cyrus Claudomir, and Vincent and Gianna Iannucci, who brought endless joy, laughter, and light into his life. Bill treasured every moment spent with his family, and his love for them was felt in everything he did.
Bill believed deeply in giving back to his community and dedicated much of his life to helping others. He was actively involved in numerous civic and charitable organizations, including The United Way, Knights of Columbus, Barnum Festival, Shubert Performing Arts, the P.T. Barnum Foundation, and many others. He also served on over two dozen boards, including the American Red Cross, Bridgeport Rotary Club, Kennedy Center, Bridgeport Hospital Foundation, United Way, and the Barnum Museum.
Among his many accomplishments, Bill proudly served as the Barnum Festival Ringmaster in 1992, a role that reflected his vibrant personality, leadership, and love for his community. His years of dedication and service earned him many honors, including the Outstanding Young Man Award (1973), the Town of Trumbull Distinguished Service Award (1975), the Paul Harris Award (1989), the Kennedy Center Man for All Seasons Award (1996), the United Way Campaign Chairman Award (1996), and the Fairfield County Council Boy Scouts of America Good Scout Award (1997), and served as a Trumbull Police Commissioner for several years.
To know Bill was to know warmth, kindness, humor, and generosity. He had a remarkable way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Whether through his community work, his lifelong friendships, or the deep love he showed his family, Bill touched countless lives and made the world around him better.
Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void, his family finds comfort in the beautiful memories he created, the lessons he taught, and the incredible legacy he leaves behind. He will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who loved him.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Vernon and Dorothy Murphy, and his brother, Robert Murphy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main St., Trumbull. Interment will follow in Nichols Village Cemetery, Trumbull. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made in William Murphy’s memory to the Barnum Festival at www.barnumfestival.org
For online condolences, please visit us at www.abriola.com
Statement from Barnum Festival:
With heavy hearts, we share that 1992 Ringmaster William “Bill” Murphy has passed away.
The festival would not be what it is today without Bill. In 1992, he was determined to bring The Great Street Parade back- even if he and his wife and kids needed to walk down the street, banging pots and pans. The rest, as they say, is history. The parade has been back ever since.
I loved Bill Murphy! He was the best. He started at the U.I because when he turned 16 if you filled out a job application they would give you 5 bucks. He never left or forgot where he came from
BRIDGEPORT!