Thursday, October 1, 2026
William F. Murphy, former Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre has died at age 85 on Mar. 26.
“Bishop Murphy was widely respected for his expertise in Vatican diplomacy and international relations and was deeply committed to ecumenical and interfaith dialogue,” Most Reverend John O. Barres, Bishop of Rockville Centre said in statement. “With a gift for friendship, he generously mentored many priests and bishops and championed the apostolate of the laity and their vital role in the public square.”
Murphy served as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre from 2001 until his retirement in 2017, leading one of the largest Catholic dioceses in the United States.
Born in Boston in 1940, Murphy was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Boston in 1970 and later earned advanced degrees in theology and education, including a doctorate from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Before coming to Long Island, Murphy held a variety of leadership roles within the Catholic Church. He served as rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome, where he helped oversee the formation of future priests, and later as an auxiliary bishop in Boston.
He was known for his academic background, pastoral approach and involvement in national Catholic organizations, including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Appointed by Pope John Paul II, Murphy became bishop of Rockville Centre in 2001. During his tenure, he focused on strengthening Catholic education, promoting vocations to the priesthood and expanding outreach efforts across Long Island. He emphasized the importance of evangelization and worked to engage both practicing Catholics and those less connected to the Church.
Murphy’s leadership also coincided with a period of significant challenges for the Church, including addressing clergy sexual abuse cases and implementing reforms aimed at accountability and healing. He supported the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and worked to improve policies within the diocese.
After retiring in 2017, Murphy remained active in Church life while stepping back from administrative responsibilities. His tenure is remembered for its combination of pastoral leadership, educational focus and efforts to guide the diocese through both growth and difficult transitions.
“His faithful service leaves a lasting legacy on Long Island and throughout the universal Church,” Barres said in the statement. “As we pray for the repose of Bishop Murphy’s soul, we give thanks for his devoted episcopal ministry and enduring witness of faith. May he rest in the peace of Christ.”
